ABSTRACT
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The issues relating to the use of natural products for prevention and therapy of
human diseases are gaining momentum in recent years. Plant products have been
used for food and fiber throughout history. In India, they have also been used to cure
and prevent diseases, as stated in many traditional Indian systems of medicine. The
modulation of diseased states such as cardiovascular ailments, neurological
disorders, cancer, diabetes, etc., by using dietary components including fruits and
vegetables, natural products, medicinal plants, etc., as a possible therapeutic
measure has become a subject of recent scientific investigations [1-4]. This basic
concept has existed in the ancient Vedic scripture, the Ayurveda, and has been
practiced in Indian traditional medicine for many centuries. Apart from Ayurveda,
there are other established systems of medicine, such as Siddha and Unani prevalent
in India that also have similar approaches. Among these, the Ayurveda system of
medicine is the most popular [5].
