Nutraceuticals traditional practices, regulatory guidelines, opportunities and challenges

Nutraceuticals are gaining global significance as functional food products that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, often serving as preventive or therapeutic agents. However, regulatory definitions vary across regions, from being categorized as dietary supplements in the USA to functional foods in Japan and traditional herbal products in India. India and China have a long-standing tradition of using botanicals in Traditional systems, positioning them as a key player in the nutraceutical market. This review examines over 45 plant-based nutraceuticals commonly used in traditional medicine, highlighting their bioactive compounds and therapeutic applications. Additionally, it explores regulatory frameworks in the USA, Europe, India, Japan, and China identifying challenges such as inconsistencies in definitions, product claims, and quality standards. While India holds immense potential due to its rich herbal heritage, the lack of standardized regulations and scientific validation limits its global market reach. With growing consumer demand for natural health solutions, harmonizing global regulations and scientific advancements are critical for the sustainable growth of the nutraceutical industry.