Nutraceutical Compounds, Classification, Biosynthesis, and Function

Abstract

In recent years, there is an increasing interest on the plant-based nutraceuticals, functional foods, and food supplements as potential agents for the maintenance of good health and the prevention and treatment of diseases. Phytochemicals, especially the polyphenols including flavonoids, phenolic acids, curcuminoids, and stilbinoids, are widely studied for their health beneficial properties. Among many other issues, one important issue is the continuous supply of active components in nutraceuticals to meet the market demand. As many phytochemicals present in nutraceuticals are specific to certain plant species, the conservation, cultivation, and sustainable utilization are equally important. Newer biotechnological tools such as tissue and cell culture have potential to provide the necessary amount of the specific nutraceutical compounds in future. For wider application, understanding their chemical classification, biosynthetic routes, potential health beneficial activities, and market trends must be well understood. This chapter focuses mainly on the classification of these compounds, their biosynthesis in plants and role in human health.