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Review Articles
Nutraceuticals – Ayurveda’s new panorama
Let food be your medicine
-By Hippocrates
The wandering physician of Ayurveda Charaka described Jivaniya (Nutrients) in Charaka Samhita, the ancient Ayurvedic text. Jivaniya (Nutrients) is one of the class of decoctives which includes ten nutritive plants. According to Text, Jivaniya (Nutrients) are those ingredients which are good for life (Ayu),which supplements the energy which deteriorates during physiological and metabolic actions, the key processes of our life. If loss is not compensated by these nutrients, the life will raze, thus for their importance for life they are also known as Restoratives.
Nutraceuticals – Ayurveda’s new panorama
Let food be your medicine
-By Hippocrates
The wandering physician of Ayurveda Charaka described Jivaniya (Nutrients) in Charaka Samhita, the ancient Ayurvedic text. Jivaniya (Nutrients) is one of the class of decoctives which includes ten nutritive plants. According to Text, Jivaniya (Nutrients) are those ingredients which are good for life (Ayu),which supplements the energy which deteriorates during physiological and metabolic actions, the key processes of our life. If loss is not compensated by these nutrients, the life will raze, thus for their importance for life they are also known as Restoratives.
Modern science and growing concept of food supplement or dietary supplement products are now using the same principle of Jivaniya or nutrients in different way and validating them scientifically. Ayurveda in new era supporting the concepts of Nutraceuticals, which is a diet supplement that delivers a concentrated form of a biologically active component of food in a non-food matrix to enhance health. Nutraceuticals are natural bioactive materials
that provide physiological sustainability or reduce the risk of chronic diseases, above and beyond their basic nutritional function. Ayurveda defines number of plants for their nutritive and health supplement properties which are vital ingredients of commonly used Nutraceuticals of Ayurveda like Chyavanprash (for general health and prevention of respiratory disorders); Brahma Rasayana (for protection from mental stress); Phala Ghrita (for reproductive health); Arjuna Ksheerpaka (for cardioprotection); Shatavari Ghrita (for general health of women during various physiological states)and Rasona Ksheerpaka (for cardioprotection).
The importance of these Jivaniya(Nutrients) becomes more widen and acceptable when it mingles with vitamins, amino acids, botanicals etc
The neutaceutical ingredients which are extractive or natural compound of Fruit, Nut or vegetable are (Table N1)
| Carotenoids | | 1. Beta-carotene | Carrots, various fruits | Neutralizes free radicals, which may damage cells; bolsters cellular antioxidant defenses | | 2. Lycopene | Tomatoes and processed tomato products | May contribute to maintenance of prostate health | | Dietary Fiber | | Insoluble fiber | Wheat bran | May contribute to maintenance of a healthy digestive tract | | Fatty Acids | | Monosaturated fatty acids | Tree nuts | May reduce risk of coronary heart disease | | Flavonoids | | Flavonols | Onions, apples, tea, broccoli | Neutralize free radicals, which may damage cells; bolster cellular antioxidant defenses | | Isothiocyanates | | Sulforaphane | Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, kale, horseradish | May enhance detoxification of undesirable compounds and bolster cellular antioxidant defenses | |
Phenols | | Caffeic acid, ferulic acid | Apples, pears, citrus fruits, some vegetables | May bolster cellular antioxidant defenses; may contribute to maintenance of vision and heart health | | Plant Stanols/Sterols | | Stanol/sterol esters | Fortified table spreads, stanol ester dietary supplements | May reduce risk of coronary heart disease | | Polyols | | Sugar alcohols (xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, lactitol) | Some chewing gums and other food applications | May reduce risk of dental caries (cavities) | | Prebiotics/Probiotics | | Lactobacilli, bifidobacteria | Yogurt, other dairy and nondairy applications | May improve gastrointestinal health and systematic immunity | | Phytoestrogens | | Isoflavones (daidzein, genistein) | Soybeans and soy-based foods | May contribute to maintenance of bone health, healthy brain and immune functions; for women, maintenance of menopausal health | | Soy Protein | | Soy protein | Soybeans and soy-based foods | May reduce risk of coronary heart disease | | Sulfides/Thiols | | Dithiolthiones | Cruciferous vegetables | May contribute to maintenance of healthy immune function |
The Ayurvedic herbs which are getting popularity in Nutraceuticals or food supplement market are Aswagandha (Withania somnifera) Amla (Emblica officinalis), Gokshuru (Tribulus terrestris), Bael (Aegle marmelos), Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), Kulanjan (Alpinia galanga), Garlic (Allium sativum), Sallai guggul (Boswellia serrata), Jamun (Eugenia jambolana), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Saptarangi (Salacia reticulata), Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa ), culinary herbs like Black pepper, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Ginger, Ajowan, Cardamom etc.
It should be noted that many Ayurvedic herbs contain active agents or principal chemical constituents that may have applications beyond
the treatments recommended in Ayurveda. The structure-activity relationships (SAR) so well-known in the pharmaceutical sciences should prove
beneficial in finding new applications for new chemical entities identified by modern science in these and other therapeutic Ayurvedic herbs.
The latest research and studies suggest that there is no magic remedy and medicine other than the magic pill can be the blend of herbs, nutritious diet, vitamins which will definitely deliver healthy life. Many countries rely on Nutraceuticals as a tool to prevent health problems, which is based on the concept When diet is wrong medicine is of no use. When diet is correct medicine is of no need.
Nutraceuticals is a connecting link where both the system of medicine should shake their hand with enduring hardcore research and mutual
acceptance of both systems.
About the author:
Dr. Vivek Srivastav is young scholar of Alternative medicine, specialized in Herbal science. Dr Srivastav started his career with Maharishi Ayurveda,and presently working as a senior manager in Akums Drugs & Pharmaceutucals Limited He want to validate Ayurveda scientifically and endeavoring to formulate medicines for chronic diseases. He found herbs and its miraculous therapeutic activities during his project work at CIMAP (Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants) and CDRI (Central Drug Research Institute), India. Dr. Srivastav has published his articles and papers on various issues related to Alternative medicines.
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Antimicrobial Plants of Ayurveda A Microbe is a microscopic living organism. The term is often applied to any organism that causes disease. Examples include bacteria, viruses, fungi or protozoan. Ayurvedic Plants proved as antimicrobial: |
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