Phytopharmaceuticals for Management of Disorders

Phytonutrients are the nutritional components produced by plants, whereas phytopharmaceuticals refer to pharmaceutical chemicals sourced from plants. Over the past two decades, dietary trends have oscillated between natural and homemade foods, crash diets, and processed foods, eventually returning to an emphasis on natural and plant-based dietary choices. This shift is primarily attributed to heightened awareness and experiences that highlight the health benefits and sustainability of plant-based nutrients for promoting a healthy lifestyle. In tandem with dietary changes, there is a growing inclination towards plant origin compounds as alternative medicines in lieu of allopathic drugs. This preference is driven by the perceived lesser side effects associated with plant-derived medications when administered under appropriate medical supervision. Across various traditional healing practices such as Ayurveda and Naturopathy, plant-based medicines are gaining immense popularity. However, there exists limited awareness regarding how individuals can seamlessly transition into this lifestyle without adversely affecting their physiological makeup. This chapter emphasizes the importance of facilitating this transition by presenting compelling experimental evidence and practical instances. The objective is to empower readers to embark on their journey towards adopting a sustainable lifestyle rooted in plant-based medicine, drawing attention to the benefits supported by scientific findings.