ABSTRACT
The relationship between plant-derived food and delay in the progression of age-related diseases has been well established. This class of “herbal” derivatives has been tremendously accepted by the health-conscious population, and hence, the commercialization of plant-derived bioactives in the form of pills, tablets, gels, solutions, granules, powders, etc. has also been thoroughly researched. Nutraceuticals is a term that is a hybrid of nutrients and pharmaceuticals. Some nutraceuticals have shown credible physiological action in controlling/delaying the progression of issues such as gradual decline in cognitive function, diabetes, obesity, gastric ulcer, cardiovascular diseases, cancer progression, etc. A number of nutraceuticals containing phytochemicals are present in the market, such as lycopene from tomatoes and watermelon, Alliaceae from garlic and onion, phytosterols, etc. These nutraceuticals have been long advertised to cure a number of diseases, some with and some without a credible scientific background. The major issue with these nutraceuticals is their delivery in biological systems. With developments in scientific and artificial technology, this conundrum is easily handled. Nanotechnology is one such solution to this problem. This chapter focuses on the various chronic diseases where these nutraceuticals work – with a scientific background, discussing the mechanism of action and possible side effects. Furthermore, the role of nanotechnology in aiding delivery of these nutraceuticals is discussed.
