Preface

The beginning of an AI and data analytics-driven society is around the corner, and personalized medicine is being revolutionized with innovations. Science-supported health solutions and tailored medicine are on the rise. Before the Human Genome Project, the field of personalized medicine was limited due to the lack of comprehensive genetic information. Changes in gene expressions by environmental factors, including behaviour and food, play key roles in disease development; hence, epigenetics influenced by diet and nutrition shall be considered and addressed in health clinics. Genomic and metabolic profiling can identify individual needs for micronutrient optimization in personalized nutrition. Nutrigenomics is an emerging area that is grounded in molecular biology and studies the interaction of dietary components with the genome; however, in India, Ayurgenomics, originating from the ancient Indian system of medicine Ayurveda, combines the traditional wisdom with genomic insight, recommending key interventions based on diet, lifestyle, and herbal drugs.

Dietary supplements and nutraceuticals play a key role in the management of various diseases. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are burdened with high oxidative stress due to chronic low-grade inflammation, and such interconnected biological processes are central to the pathogenesis and progression of many NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Therapeutic strategies to combat oxidative stress and inflammation include dietary antioxidants and dietary supplements in an anti-inflammatory diet. Micronutrients are the cofactors of enzymes essential for various biochemical pathways. For example, in Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), magnesium regulates blood pressure by modulating calcium channels, and selenium is a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase, protecting from oxidative stress and atherosclerosis. Chromium improves insulin action, and zinc supports insulin synthesis in the management of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and inflammation. In bone health, calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone mineralization, and magnesium is a cofactor for enzymes regulating bone metabolism.

Vitamin-based nutraceuticals prevent oxidative damage and modulate inflammation, especially in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and age-related conditions. Vitamins also act as cofactors for enzymes and antioxidants. Short-chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria play a key role in neuro-immunoendocrine regulation, and these fatty acids can also prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Modulation of neurochemical pathways through the highly interconnected gut-brain axis has also recently been recognized. Prebiotics may influence the metabolism of minerals by increasing their solubility and absorption. Nutraceuticals for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes are often developed with rigorous clinical research to ensure efficacy and safety in addressing specific health conditions.

Combining dietary supplements through a synergistic approach maximizes their potential to enhance health and manage or prevent diseases. The synergistic approach focuses on bioactive compound interaction to amplify their combined effects rather than individual effects. Ingredients like Shatavari root and ashwagandha are highly regarded in traditional medicine for their adaptogenic properties to help manage stress, reduce hot flashes and night sweats, and maintain hormonal balance. The amino acid L-theanine promotes relaxation, calming, and better sleep, addressing anxiety-driven menopause symptoms. A combination of such products could bring greater relief in menopause symptoms than individual products.

This textbook aims to equip students and researchers with updated information in the field of nutraceuticals. As implied in the title, the dietary supplements, and nutraceuticals, this textbook gives comprehensive knowledge on different dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. This book displays the description of antioxidants, vitamins, macro & micronutrients, essential fatty acids, pre & probiotics, phytochemicals, herbal drugs, and synergistic & clinical nutraceuticals. It focuses on detailed descriptions of selected crude drugs potentially used as dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. This textbook is an easy guide for students and scholars from different domains of health sciences.

As we progress toward precision wellness and the concept of personalized nutrition, this book can be handy in dealing with plant proteins, microalgae-based supplements, probiotics, omega-3, and fermented ingredients to support gut health, cognitive function, and heart health supplements. Challenges such as supply chain transparency, digital health integration, and regulatory compliance will remain areas for further discussion.

Editors would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to all the authors and contributors who have contributed their time and wisdom in completing this book.

Special thanks to Humaira Hashmi, editorial manager of publications, Bentham Books, for her generous assistance in coordinating throughout the book publication.

Editors are open to suggestions for improvement of this work.