NUTRACEUTICALS: AN AYURVEDIC AND MODERN PERSPECTIVE

Nutraceuticals, defined as food-derived substances that provide therapeutic and health-promoting benefits beyond basic nutrition, have gained significant global attention in preventive and integrative healthcare. Although the term "nutraceutical" is modern, the conceptual foundation is deeply embedded in Ayurveda, India's traditional system of medicine. Ayurveda views food (Ahara) as a primary pillar of life and emphasizes its role not only in nourishment but also in disease prevention, tissue rejuvenation, and enhancement of immunity. Classical Ayurvedic concepts such as Rasayana, Medhya Rasayana, Pathya-Apathya, and functional foods closely align with the modern understanding of nutraceuticals. Ayurvedic texts describe numerous herbs and natural foods-such as Amalaki, Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Haldi, ghee, honey, and milk-that exhibit antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and adaptogenic properties. Many classical formulations like Chyawanprash, Triphala, and Pippali Rasayana also function as polyherbal nutraceuticals with wide-ranging therapeutic potential. Contemporary scientific research increasingly validates these actions, highlighting their relevance in modern healthcare for supporting immunity, improving metabolic health, reducing stress, enhancing cognition, and preventing chronic diseases.