Beyond Protein: Phytochemical-Driven Engineering of Herbal-Enriched Plant Protein Powders for Functional Nutrition and Human Health

Nutraceuticals combine nutritional benefits with biologically active components that may support health and help reduce the risk of certain health disorders, with plant proteins from legumes, cereals, pulses, soybean, and oilseeds providing an accessible and nutritious alternative to animal-derived proteins. This review aims to highlight the nutritional importance of plant proteins and their associated bioactive compounds, with an emphasis on their potential application in developing functional nutraceutical products. A narrative review approach was used to examine various plant-based protein sources-including legumes, cereals, pulses, soybean, sattu, and seeds-and evaluate their associated nutritional and phytochemical components. Sattu, soybean, seeds, and related plant ingredients provide essential proteins alongside dietary fibre, minerals, and diverse phytochemicals, including polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids, and saponins. Plant-based proteins and their accompanying bioactive compounds offer significant potential for the development of nutritious, convenient, and functional nutraceutical formulations.