ABSTRACT
Natural remedies have been the choice of people since ancient times for the prevention and treatment of a variety of common ailments and diseases. With the evolution of modern medicine and the discovery of antibiotics, natural remedies have become secondary although traditional treatments, such as ayurveda, siddha, naturopathy, etc., still persist with natural herbs and natural compounds as the soul of their medicines. Nevertheless, recently, there has been resurgence of interest and emergence of medicinal foods that contribute to the maintenance of well-being, enhancement of health, modulating immunity, and
17.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 401 17.2 Nutraceuticals: Phytochemicals, Sources, Characteristics .......................................................... 405
17.2.1 Polyphenols .................................................................................................................... 405 17.2.2 Anthocyanins ................................................................................................................. 405 17.2.3 Anthocyanidins .............................................................................................................. 408 17.2.4 Proanthocyanidins .......................................................................................................... 408 17.2.5 Flavonoids ...................................................................................................................... 408 17.2.6 Flavanones ...................................................................................................................... 408 17.2.7 Resveratrol ...................................................................................................................... 409 17.2.8 Isoflavones ...................................................................................................................... 409 17.2.9 Ellagic Acid (EA) and Ellagitannins (ETs) .................................................................... 409 17.2.10 Phytoestrogens ................................................................................................................410 17.2.11 Terpenoids .......................................................................................................................410 17.2.12 Carotenoids .....................................................................................................................410 17.2.13 Limonoids ........................................................................................................................411 17.2.14 Phytosterols .....................................................................................................................411 17.2.15 Glucosinolates .................................................................................................................411 17.2.16 Polysaccharides ...............................................................................................................411
