Nutraceuticals (Part-2)

Study herbs as health food 

As per PCI Syllabus
(T. Y. B. Pharm  Sem –VI)  Unit - II

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Nutraceuticals

Nutraceutical can be defined as a food or a part of food or a nutrient, which in addition to its nutrient values provides health benefits including promotion of health and prevention of disease.



Study herbs as health food


a) Alfalfa

B.S.: It is the entire plant of Medicago sativa 

Family: Fabaceae.

Chemical constituents

Leaves, sprouts and seed contain  vitamin-K, vitamin-C, copper, manganese, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, magnesium and iron.

One cup of sprouts contains one gram of protein and one gram of carbohydrates. It also has a high content of bioactive compounds like saponins, coumarins, flavonoids, phytosterols, phytoestrogens and alkaloids. 

Uses

Hypo cholestremic
Anti hypertensive
Diuretic
Galactogouge
Anti arthritic
To treat kidney stones
Anti diabetic
To relieve menopausal symptoms
Antioxidant

b) Chicory
Source It is obtained from the plant  Cichorium intybus, 
Family: Asteraceae

Chemical constituent :
Chicory contains a variety of nutrients which include carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, soluble fiber, phenolics, inulin, coumarins, tannins, monomeric flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones and beta carotene.

Uses:
The roots are used as A coffee substitute and additive.
They are mixed in Indian filter coffee.
Used in high blood pressure, heart failure, loss of appetite, stomach upset. constipation, cancer, liver and gall bladder disorders, inflammation and hepatic toxicity.  

c) Ginger

It is the dried rhizomes of  Zingiber officinale,

Family: Zingrberaceae.

Chemical constituents: It contains volatile oils, minerals, resins. Ginger oil contains zingiberine, bisaboline, farnesene, sesquiphellandrene and curcumene. Resins contain phenolic ketones such as gingerols, shogaols, zingerone and other compounds.

Uses
Stomachic.
Aromatic
Carminative
Stimulant
Flavouring agent.
In ginger beverages Adsorbent of toxins from GIT. 
To control parasitic infections. 



















d) Fenugreek 
Source   It consists of seeds of the plant Trigonella foenum-graecum,
Family: leguminosae.
Chemical constituents
It contains alkaloids (Gentiamine, Trigonelline) flavonoids, coumarins, proteins, amino acids and steroidal saponins.

Uses
Demulcent.
Laxative.
Nutritive.
Expectorant.
Used in the treatment of anorexia, dyspepsia, astritis, diabetes  and high cholesterol.

e) Garlic
It consists of dried bulbs of Allium sativum,
Family: Liliaceae.

Chemical constituents
Garlic contains, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, mucilage, volatile oils and minerals. The volatile oil contain allin, allicin, allyl propyl disulfide, diallyl disulfide. Minerals contain phosphorous, iron and copper.

Uses
Carminative
Aphrodisiac
Expectorant
Stimulant
Disinfectant
Anthilmintic
Antibacterial
Antihypertensive
Hypocholestremic

f) Honey

Honey is sugar like secretion deposited in honey comb by the bees Apis mellifera,
Apis dorsota and other species of Apis,
Family:  Apidae

Chemical constituents
Honey is an aqueous solution containing  35% glucose 45% fructose and 2% sucrose.

Uses
It is used as demulcent, sweetening agent, nutrient, antiseptic and expectorant.

g) Amla

It consists of fruits of the plant Emblica officinalis and Phyllanthus emblica,
Family: Euphorbiaceae.

Chemical constituents
It contains Vitamin-C (ascorbic acid), calcium, iron and phosphorous.

Uses : Diuretic, Laxative.
Used in the treatment of  Anaemia. 
Diarrhoea.  jaundice.
Fruits are used to prepare shampoos and hair oils.

h) Ginseng

Source It consists of roots of the plant Panax ginseng and other species of Panax, 
Family: Araliaceae.

Chemical constituents
Ginseng contains saponins, glycosides, volatile oils, sterols, polysaccharides, minerals, vitamin-B1, B2, B12, pantothenic acid and biotin.


Uses
Adaptogenic.
It relieves stress and fatigue.
Used in hypertension, diabetes, psychogenic impotence and child psychiatric disorders.

i) Ashwagandha

Source: It consists of dried roots and stem bases of the plant Withania somnifera,
Family: Solanaceae.

Chemical constituents
It contains alkaloids and steroidal lactones. Alkaloids contain withanine, somniferine Somnine, tropine, two acyl steryl glucosides sitoindosine-7 and sitoindosine-8.

Uses
Sedative.
Hypnotic.
Hypotensive.
Respiratory stimulant.
lmmunomodulatory agent.
Anti stress agent.
Anti arthritic.

j) Spirulina

It is blue green algae obtained from Spirulina maxima or Spirulina platensis,
Family: Oscillatoriaceae.

C. C. : It contains 50-70% proteins, 5-6% lipids. Lipids contain essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid. It also contains glycolipids and sulfolipids, various vitamins like vitamin-Bl, B2, B3, B6, B12 and E3.

 It contains iron and an enzyme superoxide dimutase which has free radical scavenging effects and help full in atherosclerosis, arthritis, diabetes, cataract, stress and aging.

Uses
Immune stimulant
Anticancer
Antiviral
Hypocholestremic
Appetite stimulant


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