Concept of Nutraceuticals in Ayurveda - A Review

Nutraceutical is a combination of the terms "nutrition" and "pharmaceutical" and refers to any component that is either a food or a component of a food that has therapeutic or health benefits, such as aiding in the prevention or treatment of an illness. Dr. Stephen de Felice coined the phrase "nutraceutical" in 1989. The concept of the Nutraceuticals and functional foods can be found in the ancient system of Ayurveda. Nutraceuticals are gaining more imporatance globally .Nearly 85% of Nutraceuticals are vitamins and minerals while 10% are anti axidants and rest around 5% belong to herbal products. Ayurveda is the science of life which describes ways to prevent lifestyle disorders. Anna is considered as Mahabhaishajya (the superior medicine). Ayurvedic principles like Hita ahara, Satmya ahara, and Pathya ahara, Rasayana dravyas can be correlated to concept of Nutraceuticals.Materials: Sources pertaining to concept of Nutraceuticals in Ayurveda have been gathered from the Ayurvedic classics like Charaka samhita, Sushrutha samhita, Ashtanga hrudaya, laghutrayis and other related concepts from contemporary literature books, indexed journals and several websites.Discussion: Nutraceutical benefits of many dravyas proved through research works.Conclusion: Many of the dravyas having nutritive as well as therapeutic value in Ayurvedic science. Hence an attempt has bees been made to understand the different dravyas which can be considered as Nutraceuticals in Ayurveda.