Nutraceutical

Subject: Science and tech

Context:

Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers has launched new nutraceuticals under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) for sale through Janaushadhi Kendras across country.

Concept:

• Nutraceuticals is a broad umbrella term that is used to describe any product derived from food sources with extra health benefits in addition to the basic nutritional value found in foods.
• They can be considered non-specific biological therapies used to promote general well-being, control symptoms and prevent malignant processes.
• The term “nutraceutical” combines two words – “nutrient” (a nourishing food component) and “pharmaceutical” (a medical drug).
• They can be classified on the basis of their natural sources, pharmacological conditions, as well as chemical constitution of the products. Most often they are grouped in the following categories: dietary supplements, functional food, medicinal food, pharmaceuticals.