Nutraceuticals are the pharmaceutically blended products that possess both nutritional as well as the medicinal value. Such a product is designed to improve the physical health, fight against day-to-day challenges such as stress, increase longevity, etc. Nowadays, emphasis is given to those herbs which are used as food and medicine due to its greater acceptance. Due to dynamic action, the popularity of nutraceuticals among people as well as healthcare providers has been increased over medicines and health supplements. This review documents herbs with a wide variety of therapeutic values such as immunity booster, antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial, and gastroprotective. These herbs could be better options to formulate as nutraceuticals. Several nutraceuticals are described based on their availability as food, chemical nature, and mechanism of action.

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of Paederia foetida L. leaf for gastric ulcer. The methanol extract of P. foetida L. leaves at two different dose levels was investigated for gastroprotective potential by using Indomethacin-pylorus ligation, alcohol induced and water immersion stress induced model in rats. In vitro DPPH* radical scavenging activity and western blot analysis of stomach tissue from pylorus ligatures rats were also carried out. HPTLC analysis was done to understand the phyto-pharmacological relationship. Methanol extract at a dose level of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight showed 72 and 78 % ulcer protection when compared to negative control whereas reference drug shown 82 % protection in Indomethacin-pylorus ligation model. Further, methanol extract also showed protective effect against 70 % v/v ethanol and stress induced gastric ulcer model. About 84 % protection as compared to cimetidine (85 %) was seen in western blot analysis of stomach tissue from pylorus ligatures rats. HPTLC analysis of methanol extract of P. foetida L. confirmed the presence of β-sitosterol. In DPPH* radical scavenging activity, the IC50 value was observed to be 43.52 μg/ml. These observations established the traditional claim and thus Paederia foetida could be a potent gastroprotective agent for use in future. The gastroprotective activity might be mediated by the Nrf2 mediated antioxidant and anti secretory effects.

Nutraceuticals are gaining global significance as functional food products that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, often serving as preventive or therapeutic agents. However, regulatory definitions vary across regions, from being categorized as dietary supplements in the USA to functional foods in Japan and traditional herbal products in India. India and China have a long-standing tradition of using botanicals in Traditional systems, positioning them as a key player in the nutraceutical market. This review examines over 45 plant-based nutraceuticals commonly used in traditional medicine, highlighting their bioactive compounds and therapeutic applications. Additionally, it explores regulatory frameworks in the USA, Europe, India, Japan, and China identifying challenges such as inconsistencies in definitions, product claims, and quality standards. While India holds immense potential due to its rich herbal heritage, the lack of standardized regulations and scientific validation limits its global market reach. With growing consumer demand for natural health solutions, harmonizing global regulations and scientific advancements are critical for the sustainable growth of the nutraceutical industry.

Apocynin (APO) is a known multi-enzymatic complexed compound, employed as a viable NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor, extensively used in both traditional and modern-day therapeutic strategies to combat neuronal disorders. However, its therapeutic efficacy is limited by lower solubility and lesser bioavailability; thus, a suitable nanocarrier system to overcome such limitations is needed. The present study is designed to fabricate APO-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (APO-NPs) to enhance its therapeutic efficacy and sustainability in the biological system. The optimized APO NPs in the study exhibited 103.6 ± 6.8 nm and −13.7 ± 0.43 mV of particle size and zeta potential, respectively, along with further confirmation by TEM. In addition, the antioxidant (AO) abilities quantified by DPPH and nitric oxide scavenging assays exhibited comparatively higher AO potential of APO-NPs than APO alone. An in-vitro release profile displayed a linear diffusion pattern of zero order kinetics for APO from the NPs, followed by its cytotoxicity evaluation on the PC12 cell line, which revealed minimal toxicity with higher cell viability, even after treatment with a stress inducer (H₂O₂). The stability of APO-NPs after six months showed minimal AO decline in comparison to APO only, indicating that the designed nano-formulation enhanced therapeutic efficacy for modulating NOX-mediated ROS generation.

Women, being nature's nurturers, face several challenges in their lives. These difficulties may involve a variety of medical, psychological, and reproductive problems. This review focuses on the great variety of natural herbs and their significant benefits for preventing and treating women's illnesses. The search includes several academic databases to gain information on herbs in traditional or clinical practices. Through the study of phytoestrogens' interactions with estrogen receptors, it was exploring how plant-based chemicals can mimic or modify the effects of estrogen, influencing reproductive health and alleviating menopausal symptoms. In addition, the phytochemicals are inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus act on women's health and wellness by reducing inflammation in conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and other androgen-related disorders. The review emphasises the value of diet in maintaining and enhancing overall well-being. The role of vitamins B and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and omega-6 fatty acids is essential. We found that parsley, flaxseed, ginger, garlic, and pomegranate have nutritional and therapeutic value. The review highlighted the function of plants and their chemical components in regulating the physiology of hormonal balance. Phyto-oestrogens, which are natural, oestrogen- like substances present in Flaxseed, Soy, Pomegranate, Ginseng, Red Clover, etc., are beneficial in reducing the signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance and also in polycystic ovarian disease. In total, 69 plants are mentioned in this review, 53 of which have been reviewed for their phytochemistry, traditional uses, or clinical applications in standard women's diseases. The effectiveness is due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. We conclude that when traditional and contemporary scientific knowledge of the nutritional and therapeutic value of plant resources is integrated, the navigation of universal women's health and well-being will be achieved.