Nanotechnology Based Delivery of Nutraceuticals

Abstract

Abstract With the growing worldwide population, there is increase in prevalence of various diseases like cancer (0.338%), hyperlipidemia (39%), hypertension (44.5%), infectious disease (17 million/ annum), diabetes (18.4%), obesity (25.9%) and osteoporosis (200 million/ annum). Nutraceutical seek their application in prophylaxis and cure of these diseases for instance, coenzyme Q-10, polyphenols, isoflavone, flavones, carotenoid, isocyanidine for treatment of cancer and other life threatening diseases, elements like zinc as prophylactic treatment to maintain metabolism, calcium and magnesium to maintain bone health, Selenium as an anti- oxidant, vitamin D for osteoporosis, vitamin E & C as anti-oxidant for prevention of cancer and vitamin B-complex for proper functioning of nervous system. However, nutraceuticals have certain limitations including poor solubility, absorption and bioavailability, chemical instability and higher first pass metabolism which can be overcome by nano-delivery of nutraceutical.