Bioprospecting Nutraceuticals for Human Welfare

It is well-established that both communicable and non-communicable diseases present significant challenges to global healthcare. A substantial proportion, approximately 85%, of these diseases can be attributed to environmental factors. Consequently, adopting a healthy lifestyle can serve as a preventative measure for the majority of these ailments. Research conducted over the past few decades has provided valuable insights into the biological properties of various natural sources, including fruits, vegetables, spices, and millets, as well as their bioactive constituents, with the aim of improving human health. Numerous bioactive compounds, commonly referred to as nutraceuticals, have been isolated from these natural sources. Compounds such as curcumin, piperine, resveratrol, isothiocyanates, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), quercetin, sulphoraphane, among others, have demonstrated significant disease-preventive and therapeutic properties against a wide spectrum of human ailments. These assertions are supported by extensive preclinical and clinical studies. Consequently, these nutraceutical agents hold immense potential for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Therefore, the present chapter aims to explain the significance of select nutraceuticals and their applications in promoting human well-being.