Nutraceutical Formulations From Native Indian Plants

Description

Nutraceutical Formulations From Native Indian Plants by Ms. Sonali K Diwate & Dr. Abhinandan R Patil

India’s botanical treasure is one of the most extraordinary sources of medicinal knowledge on earth. The sub-continent has over 8000 plant species which are documented in classical Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani systems, providing a unique backdrop for nutraceutical science today. Translation of this ancient knowledge into evidence-based, clinically relevant formulations, however, is ongoing — requiring robust scientific investigation, cultural sensitivity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
This book is born out of the realisation that the place of nutraceuticals in global healthcare is unique and is becoming more important. Nutraceuticals obtained from native Indian plants are at the nexus of nutrition and pharmacology; they can not only be used as complementary drugs but as the main players in disease prevention and health optimization. The health burden of non-communicable diseases (diabetes, metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation) has become increasingly urgent, prompting a search for safe, low-cost and effective plant-based interventions.

The six chapters of this volume are organized thematically to progress from foundational concepts to specific formulation science. We begin with antidiabetic plants, a domain of enormous clinical relevance given India’s status as the global capital of type 2 diabetes. We then traverse the magnificent pharmacopoeia of the Himalayan range, where altitude, biodiversity, and isolation have conspired to produce plant metabolites of remarkable potency. The orchid chapter explores an often-overlooked group of plants whose immunomodulatory properties are just beginning to be understood. Holy Basil, revered across millennia, receives a dedicated treatment that bridges tradition and mechanism. Citrus waste — a globally relevant sustainability challenge — is examined through the lens of nutraceutical opportunity. The book culminates in a detailed case study of turmeric and black pepper: perhaps the most scientifically validated synergistic nutraceutical pair known to ethnobotany.

Throughout, we have endeavored to present content that is accessible to graduate students and researchers while maintaining the scientific rigor expected by formulation scientists and clinicians. Each chapter integrates traditional knowledge, phytochemical profiling, pharmacological evidence, and practical formulation considerations.
We hope this work contributes meaningfully to the growing field of nutraceutical science and inspires further research that honors India’s botanical legacy while advancing global health.