Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals: Biochemical and Safety Insights
Journal Title: Advances in Clinical Toxicology - Year 2024, Vol 9, Issue 4
Abstract
In recent years, food and pharmaceuticals have emerged as major players in the field of preventive healthcare. Interestingly, this modern concept of the role of food is echoed by the wisdom of ancient thinkers. “. . . differences of diseases depend on nutriments” was emphasised by Hippocrates over 2000 years ago when the correlation between food and diseases was little to none. His revolutionary insight laid the foundation for future research on establishing food as a prevention against diseases. This realisation has prompted the introduction of new concepts of ‘Functional Foods’ and ‘Nutraceuticals’ to determine our approach towards wellness through dietary modifications. With the increase in global interest and emphasis on FFs and nutraceuticals, understanding their biochemistry and mechanisms is crucial for their effective application. This article attempts to explore and examine the bioactive compounds in FFs and nutraceuticals and their benefits in disease prevention and as therapeutics. Moreover, holistic understanding, regulatory limits and safe administration of these nutritive products is essential for the suitability as well as best utilization.
Authors and Affiliations
Misra B and Sharma VP
Protective Effect of Protocatechuic Acid in Genotoxicity-Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride: A Preliminary Study
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is commonly utilized as a solvent, a refrigerant, and a dry-cleaning agent. However, its genotoxic effect has been well documented. The present work was designed to assess the genotoxic effect...
Are Bases Alkylated by Branched Alkylating Agents Removed by Nucleotide Excision Repair or Base Excision Repair?
We have shown that comet-positive responses by adducts that are repaired by nucleotide excision repair (NER) and base excision repair (BER) are reduced by α-amanitin (AMN) and enhanced by 2’, 3’-dideoxythymidine (ddT), r...
How do Heterocyclic Amines, Amino Acid Pyrolysates, Inhibit DNA Repair
Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and β-carbolines, carcinogenic substances, are produced when amino acids and creatine in food react in a high-temperature environment. Some of them are reported to be rodent carcinogens and pot...
Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic in a Lead-Acid Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Plant in Algeria
Introduction: Plants manufacturing and recycling lead-acid batteries emit this metal and other metal and metalloid particles into the air, which can be transported and deposited on various surfaces, exposing workers and...
Perfluoroalkyl Substances in the Circumpolar Arctic and Northern Populations
Persistent organic pollutants including perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are globally ubiquitous contaminants transported with sea currents and atmospheric movements, accumulating in the environment, food-chain, animals...