Preface

Society is increasingly aware that food can help prevent the development of certain diseases. This, together with the increase in life expectancy, is changing the trend of food consumption. For this reason, it is important to know which bioactive compounds possess a functional activity; that is, which ones produce a beneficial effect in the organism and can improve human health, as well as which ones can be used to develop nutraceuticals.

This book comprehensively reviews and compiles information on molecules with effect in health and that can be used to develop nutraceuticals. Organized into five chapters, the book covers knowledge of different active compounds in the prevention and treatment of prevalent diseases.

The scientists involved in the writing of this book were selected and invited because of their recognized expertise and important contributions in their respective fields. Their work made the publication of this book possible.

This book will be of help to scientists, doctors, pharmacists, chemists and other experts in a variety of disciplines, both academic and industrial.

I would like to thank my daughters Paula and Lucia, and my husband Alex for their patience and love. I extend my apologies for many hours spent on the editing of this book, which kept me away from them.

> **Dr. María Chávarri Hueda** Health and Food Area, Health Division, Tecnalia Research and Innovation, Miñano (Alava), Spain

**1**

**Chapter 1**

*María Chávarri*

**1. Introduction**

not associated with food" [5].

immunological disorders among others [9].

Introductory Chapter:

Nutraceuticals as an Alternative to

The nutraceutical concept began from a survey conducted in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, which concluded that consumers gave more importance to diet than to hereditary factors or to exercise to achieve good health. The term nutraceutical was defined by the nutritionist and pharmacist Stephen DeFelice, president of the Foundation of Innovation Medicine, in 1989. According to him, "a nutraceutical is defined as a food, or part of a food, that provides medical or health benefits, including prevention and/or treatment of a disease" [1, 2]. Specifically, nutraceuticals are formed from active compounds obtained from plant foods (such as phytocomplexes) or from foods of animal origin, which are concentrated and provided in the appropriate pharmaceutical form, and also have a pharmacological effect and nutritional value [3]. These can be used effectively to prevent and even cure some diseases when their safety is demonstrated, have a greater bioavailability, and have clinically proven health effects [4]. In the case of Health Canada, it defines the term nutraceutical as "a product prepared from food, but sold in the form of pills, powder or other medicinal forms, which are generally

Before the appearance of nutraceutical concept, the consumption of fruits and vegetables was related in a preventive and protective way with a lower risk of suffering from chronic and degenerative diseases [6]. These discoveries were and are correlated with the diversity of plants and their richness in bioactive compounds, natural substances capable of modulating one or more metabolic processes, thus promoting health conditions [7, 8]. These substances, called phytochemicals, have allowed the discovery and the development of numerous medications especially for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases, cholesterolemia, and

In the literature, other terms such as phytochemicals, herbs, spices, botanical medicines, dietary supplements, and secondary metabolites can be found, which can be mistaken for nutraceuticals [10]. In the case of dietary supplements, these are known as "concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with a physiological or nutritional effect to complement the diet" [11]. Nutraceuticals can be found in various forms (isolated compounds, dietary supplements, or whole foods). Therefore, all nutraceuticals are not dietary supplements, and all dietary supplements are not nutraceuticals [10]. The difference between nutraceuticals and functional food is that the former are bioactive ingredients of natural origin and obtained from different food matrices, while the latter is considered any fresh or processed food that ensures a healthy effect and/or prevents diseases in addition

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

## **Chapter 1**

## Introductory Chapter: Nutraceuticals as an Alternative to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

*María Chávarri*

## **1. Introduction**

The nutraceutical concept began from a survey conducted in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, which concluded that consumers gave more importance to diet than to hereditary factors or to exercise to achieve good health. The term nutraceutical was defined by the nutritionist and pharmacist Stephen DeFelice, president of the Foundation of Innovation Medicine, in 1989. According to him, "a nutraceutical is defined as a food, or part of a food, that provides medical or health benefits, including prevention and/or treatment of a disease" [1, 2]. Specifically, nutraceuticals are formed from active compounds obtained from plant foods (such as phytocomplexes) or from foods of animal origin, which are concentrated and provided in the appropriate pharmaceutical form, and also have a pharmacological effect and nutritional value [3]. These can be used effectively to prevent and even cure some diseases when their safety is demonstrated, have a greater bioavailability, and have clinically proven health effects [4]. In the case of Health Canada, it defines the term nutraceutical as "a product prepared from food, but sold in the form of pills, powder or other medicinal forms, which are generally not associated with food" [5].

Before the appearance of nutraceutical concept, the consumption of fruits and vegetables was related in a preventive and protective way with a lower risk of suffering from chronic and degenerative diseases [6]. These discoveries were and are correlated with the diversity of plants and their richness in bioactive compounds, natural substances capable of modulating one or more metabolic processes, thus promoting health conditions [7, 8]. These substances, called phytochemicals, have allowed the discovery and the development of numerous medications especially for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases, cholesterolemia, and immunological disorders among others [9].

In the literature, other terms such as phytochemicals, herbs, spices, botanical medicines, dietary supplements, and secondary metabolites can be found, which can be mistaken for nutraceuticals [10]. In the case of dietary supplements, these are known as "concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with a physiological or nutritional effect to complement the diet" [11]. Nutraceuticals can be found in various forms (isolated compounds, dietary supplements, or whole foods). Therefore, all nutraceuticals are not dietary supplements, and all dietary supplements are not nutraceuticals [10]. The difference between nutraceuticals and functional food is that the former are bioactive ingredients of natural origin and obtained from different food matrices, while the latter is considered any fresh or processed food that ensures a healthy effect and/or prevents diseases in addition

to having a nutritional function [12]. Therefore, a food is functional when it has nutraceutical ingredients.

One of the examples of nutraceuticals is seaweed. The consumption of seaweed as traditional food and complementary medicine was recorded 10,000 years ago [13]. Traditionally consumed in many Asian countries such as Japan, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and North Korea for centuries, the culinary use of seaweed began in Japan and China. In the case of western countries, its main application has been as a gelling agent and colloid for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industry. However, recently, in western countries, such as the USA and Europe, among others, the frequent use of seaweed as part of food has begun, especially for its beneficial and functional properties [14]. Currently, the great recognition of the beneficial properties of algae has allowed this ingredient to be introduced as part of food and beverages, making it an important product for the food industry, additives for functional foods, feed supplements, etc. [15].

Algae are a good source of nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber; in this regard, the kelp dietary fiber is particularly rich in soluble fraction. If algae are compared with terrestrial vegetables, there are more beneficial components for health, such as ω-3 fatty acids and bioactive molecules. Algae synthesize various secondary metabolites that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic activity. Therefore, algae can be considered a natural source of great interest since they contain compounds with numerous biological activities and can be used for the development of nutraceuticals. However, currently many industrial products based on seaweed have not been developed. This is due to the prolonged studies of nutritional intervention in humans required to demonstrate that algae are an excellent ingredient for commercial nutraceuticals [13].

Nutraceuticals can be classified in various ways; however, normally, the chemical nature, the availability of food, and the mechanism of action of the bioactive compound are taken into account [4]. **Figure 1** shows a diagram with the categories and subcategories. Compounds that are acquired from nature directly and are used without change in their form are considered traditional nutraceuticals. These nutraceuticals are divided into (a) phytochemicals, (b) probiotic bacteria, (c) enzymes, (d) chemical compounds, (e) nutrients, and (f) plants.

**3**

**Author details**

María Chávarri

Álava, Spain

*Introductory Chapter: Nutraceuticals as an Alternative to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle*

point of view of the consumers, nutraceuticals have several benefits [5]:

• Nutraceuticals will help avoid particular medical deficiencies.

effects, so nutraceuticals are considered more natural.

• They have beneficial psychological effects.

deficiencies or special needs.

• The consumption of nutraceuticals will increase the health value of the

• An increase in the healthy value of the diet will help increase the lifespan of

• Traditional medicines are more likely than nutraceuticals to generate harmful

• Nutraceuticals can be a very advantageous alternative for people with specific

Due above all to the increase in people's life expectancy, it is proposed to maintain a good health and well-being rather than having to treat diseases. Therefore, at present, the importance of preventing disease development is becoming clearer, being even more important than the treatment of diseases. The current progress in the treatment of diseases has been tremendous both in medicine and in drugs. At the same time, public health spending increases at the same rate as the progress of so-called diseases related to bad eating habits, including bad habits in people's lifestyle. In this sense, in recent years the term proactive medicine has appeared; focuses on the prevention of the development of diseases, reducing the cost of long-term chronic disease treatments, allowing an increase in well-being, improving the quality of life and state of people's health. Nutraceuticals are an alternative to help prevent the development of such diseases.

Health and Food Area, Health Division, Tecnalia Research and Innovation, Miñano,

© 2020 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,

\*Address all correspondence to: maria.chavarri@tecnalia.com

provided the original work is properly cited.

Specifically, the nutraceutical market is a growing and relatively new section of the food industry. This growth has been due to several causes. On the one hand, consumers are increasingly concerned about their health and how it is achieved through food, and there is more and more evidence that relates to diet and health. In addition, more and more consumers want not to have to go to the doctor or not to consume medications; specifically, this fact is marked in the generation of Baby-Boomer. Considering the

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.89875*

individual's diet.

individuals.

**Figure 1.** *Nutraceuticals classification [4].*

### *Introductory Chapter: Nutraceuticals as an Alternative to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.89875*

Specifically, the nutraceutical market is a growing and relatively new section of the food industry. This growth has been due to several causes. On the one hand, consumers are increasingly concerned about their health and how it is achieved through food, and there is more and more evidence that relates to diet and health. In addition, more and more consumers want not to have to go to the doctor or not to consume medications; specifically, this fact is marked in the generation of Baby-Boomer. Considering the point of view of the consumers, nutraceuticals have several benefits [5]:


Due above all to the increase in people's life expectancy, it is proposed to maintain a good health and well-being rather than having to treat diseases. Therefore, at present, the importance of preventing disease development is becoming clearer, being even more important than the treatment of diseases. The current progress in the treatment of diseases has been tremendous both in medicine and in drugs. At the same time, public health spending increases at the same rate as the progress of so-called diseases related to bad eating habits, including bad habits in people's lifestyle. In this sense, in recent years the term proactive medicine has appeared; focuses on the prevention of the development of diseases, reducing the cost of long-term chronic disease treatments, allowing an increase in well-being, improving the quality of life and state of people's health. Nutraceuticals are an alternative to help prevent the development of such diseases.

## **Author details**

*Nutraceuticals - Past, Present and Future*

nutraceutical ingredients.

mercial nutraceuticals [13].

(d) chemical compounds, (e) nutrients, and (f) plants.

to having a nutritional function [12]. Therefore, a food is functional when it has

food industry, additives for functional foods, feed supplements, etc. [15].

Algae are a good source of nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber; in this regard, the kelp dietary fiber is particularly rich in soluble fraction. If algae are compared with terrestrial vegetables, there are more beneficial components for health, such as ω-3 fatty acids and bioactive molecules. Algae synthesize various secondary metabolites that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic activity. Therefore, algae can be considered a natural source of great interest since they contain compounds with numerous biological activities and can be used for the development of nutraceuticals. However, currently many industrial products based on seaweed have not been developed. This is due to the prolonged studies of nutritional intervention in humans required to demonstrate that algae are an excellent ingredient for com-

Nutraceuticals can be classified in various ways; however, normally, the chemical nature, the availability of food, and the mechanism of action of the bioactive compound are taken into account [4]. **Figure 1** shows a diagram with the categories and subcategories. Compounds that are acquired from nature directly and are used without change in their form are considered traditional nutraceuticals. These nutraceuticals are divided into (a) phytochemicals, (b) probiotic bacteria, (c) enzymes,

One of the examples of nutraceuticals is seaweed. The consumption of seaweed as traditional food and complementary medicine was recorded 10,000 years ago [13]. Traditionally consumed in many Asian countries such as Japan, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and North Korea for centuries, the culinary use of seaweed began in Japan and China. In the case of western countries, its main application has been as a gelling agent and colloid for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industry. However, recently, in western countries, such as the USA and Europe, among others, the frequent use of seaweed as part of food has begun, especially for its beneficial and functional properties [14]. Currently, the great recognition of the beneficial properties of algae has allowed this ingredient to be introduced as part of food and beverages, making it an important product for the

**2**

**Figure 1.**

*Nutraceuticals classification [4].*

## María Chávarri

Health and Food Area, Health Division, Tecnalia Research and Innovation, Miñano, Álava, Spain

\*Address all correspondence to: maria.chavarri@tecnalia.com

© 2020 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

## **References**

[1] DeFelice SL. The Nutraceutical Revolution: Fueling a Powerful, New International Market. Como, Italy: Harvard University Advanced Management Program in Biomedical Research and Development; 1989

[2] DeFelice SL. The nutraceutical revolution: Its impact on food industry R&D. Trends in Food Science and Technology. 1995;**6**:59-61

[3] Maddi VS, Aragade PD, Digge VG, Nitalikar MN. Importance of nutraceuticals in health management. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2007;**1**(2):377

[4] Ali A, Ahmad U, Akhtar J, Badruddeen, Khan MM. Engineered nano scale formulation strategies to augment efficiency of nutraceuticals. Journal of Functional Foods. 2019;**62**:103554

[5] Fernandes SD, Narayana RC, Narayanan AV. The emergence of India as a blossoming market for nutraceutical supplements: An overview. Trends in Food Science and Technology. 2019;**86**:579-585

[6] Boeing H, Bechthold A, Bub A, Ellinger S, Haller D, Kroke A, et al. Critical review: Vegetables and fruit in the prevention of chronic diseases. European Journal of Nutrition. 2012;**51**:637-663. DOI: 10.1007/ s00394-012-0380-y

[7] Moiseeva EP, Almeida GM, Jones GD, Manson MM. Extended treatment with physiologic concentrations of dietary phytochemicals results in altered gene expression, reduced growth, and apoptosis of cancer cells. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. 2007;**6**:3071-3079. DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-07-0117

[8] Shanmugam MK, Kannaiyan R, Sethi G. Targeting cell signaling

and apoptotic pathways by dietary agents: Role in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Nutrition and Cancer. 2011;**63**:161-173. DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2011.523502

[9] Thomford NE, Senthebane DA, Rowe A, Munro D, Seele P, Maroyi A, et al. Natural products for drug discovery in the 21st century: Innovations for novel drug discovery. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;**19**:E1578. DOI: 10.3390/ ijms19061578

[10] Santana-Gálvez J, Cisneros-Zevallos L, Jacobo-Velázquez DA. A practical guide for designing effective nutraceutical combinations in the form of foods, beverages, and dietary supplements against chronic degenerative diseases. Trends in Food Science and Technology. 2019;**88**:179-193

[11] Carlsohn A, Cassel M, Linné K, Mayer F. How much is too much? A case report of nutritional supplement use of a high-performance athlete. The British Journal of Nutrition. 2011;**105**:1724-1728

[12] Shahidi F. Nutraceuticals and functional foods: Whole versus processed foods. Trends in Food Science and Technology. 2009;**20**:376-387. DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2008.08.004

[13] Ganesan AR, Tiwari U, Rajauria G. Seaweed nutraceuticals and their therapeutic role in disease prevention. Food Science and Human Wellness. 2019;**185**:1-12. DOI: 10.1016/j. fshw.2019.08.001

[14] Bocanegra A, Bastida S, Benedi J, Rodenas S, Sanchez-Muniz FJ. Characteristics and nutritional and cardiovascular-health properties of seaweeds. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2009;**12**(2):236-258

**5**

*Introductory Chapter: Nutraceuticals as an Alternative to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.89875*

[15] Rajauria G, Cornish L, Ometto F, Msuya FE, Villa R. Identification and selection of algae for food, feed, and fuel applications. In: Seaweed Sustainability. UK: Academic Press;

2015. pp. 315-345

*Introductory Chapter: Nutraceuticals as an Alternative to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.89875*

[15] Rajauria G, Cornish L, Ometto F, Msuya FE, Villa R. Identification and selection of algae for food, feed, and fuel applications. In: Seaweed Sustainability. UK: Academic Press; 2015. pp. 315-345

**4**

*Nutraceuticals - Past, Present and Future*

[1] DeFelice SL. The Nutraceutical Revolution: Fueling a Powerful, New International Market. Como, Italy: Harvard University Advanced Management Program in Biomedical Research and Development; 1989

**References**

and apoptotic pathways by dietary agents: Role in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Nutrition and Cancer. 2011;**63**:161-173. DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2011.523502

[9] Thomford NE, Senthebane DA,

Maroyi A, et al. Natural products for drug discovery in the 21st century: Innovations for novel drug discovery. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;**19**:E1578. DOI: 10.3390/

[10] Santana-Gálvez J, Cisneros-Zevallos L, Jacobo-Velázquez DA. A practical guide for designing effective nutraceutical combinations in the form of foods, beverages, and dietary supplements against chronic degenerative diseases. Trends in Food Science and Technology.

[11] Carlsohn A, Cassel M, Linné K, Mayer F. How much is too much? A case report of nutritional supplement use of a high-performance athlete. The British Journal of Nutrition.

[12] Shahidi F. Nutraceuticals and functional foods: Whole versus

10.1016/j.tifs.2008.08.004

[13] Ganesan AR, Tiwari U,

fshw.2019.08.001

2009;**12**(2):236-258

Rajauria G. Seaweed nutraceuticals and their therapeutic role in disease prevention. Food Science and Human Wellness. 2019;**185**:1-12. DOI: 10.1016/j.

[14] Bocanegra A, Bastida S, Benedi J, Rodenas S, Sanchez-Muniz FJ. Characteristics and nutritional and cardiovascular-health properties of seaweeds. Journal of Medicinal Food.

processed foods. Trends in Food Science and Technology. 2009;**20**:376-387. DOI:

Rowe A, Munro D, Seele P,

ijms19061578

2019;**88**:179-193

2011;**105**:1724-1728

[2] DeFelice SL. The nutraceutical revolution: Its impact on food industry R&D. Trends in Food Science and

[3] Maddi VS, Aragade PD, Digge VG,

nutraceuticals in health management. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2007;**1**(2):377

Technology. 1995;**6**:59-61

Nitalikar MN. Importance of

[4] Ali A, Ahmad U, Akhtar J, Badruddeen, Khan MM. Engineered nano scale formulation strategies to augment efficiency of nutraceuticals.

Journal of Functional Foods.

[5] Fernandes SD, Narayana RC, Narayanan AV. The emergence of India as a blossoming market for nutraceutical supplements: An overview. Trends in Food Science and Technology.

[6] Boeing H, Bechthold A, Bub A, Ellinger S, Haller D, Kroke A, et al. Critical review: Vegetables and fruit in the prevention of chronic diseases. European Journal of Nutrition. 2012;**51**:637-663. DOI: 10.1007/

[7] Moiseeva EP, Almeida GM, Jones GD, Manson MM. Extended treatment with physiologic concentrations of dietary phytochemicals results in altered gene expression, reduced growth, and apoptosis of cancer cells. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. 2007;**6**:3071-3079. DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-07-0117

[8] Shanmugam MK, Kannaiyan R, Sethi G. Targeting cell signaling

2019;**62**:103554

2019;**86**:579-585

s00394-012-0380-y

Chapter 2

Sevda Inan

Abstract

disease

1. Introduction

phytochemicals [1–4].

7

of diseases and cancers in humans and animals.

The Potential Role of

and Oxidative Stress

Nutraceuticals in Inflammation

Nutraceuticals are defined as a food or food ingredients that prevent and treat diseases. They contain dietary supplements like proteins, vitamins and minerals, compound derived from natural sources. They have functions about delaying, preventing and treating chronic inflammatory diseases due to the presence of the phytochemicals. They have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting of the activation of NF-κB, blocking the overexpression of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1, downregulation of the overexpression of cell adhesion molecules and inhibiting phospholipase A2, COX-2, lipoxygenease, iNOS, myeloperoxidase and inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating enzyme activity and increasing ability to scavenge ROS. They have antioxidative role that can reduce the level of ROS and free radicals. They have effects on the process of lipid oxidation that inhibit or slow the formation of free alky radicals and cut off the free radical chain reactions.

Keywords: nutraceuticals, inflammation, oxidative stress, protective functions,

In recent years, the consumption of natural products or functional foods are increased and enlarged segment of food industry. At the same time, Nutraceuticals are increased using as an alternative for pharmaceutical industry especially variety

Firstly, nutraceutical is a term used by Stefane De Felice Nutraceuticals is defined as a food, bioactive products or food ingredients that prevent and treat diseases [1–4]. They are not drugs but they have pharmacologically active substance [2]. They contain dietary supplements like proteins, vitamins and minerals, compounds derived from natural sources. They provide health and medical benefits that delay, prevent and treat chronic inflammatory diseases due to the presence of the

They have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting of the activation of NF-κB,

downregulation of the overexpression of cell adhesion molecules and inhibiting phospholipase A2, COX-2, 5-LOX, iNOS, myeloperoxidase and inhibiting ROS generating enzyme activity and increasing ability to scavenge ROS. They have antioxidative role that can reduce the level of ROS and free radicals. They have

blocking the overexpression of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1,

## Chapter 2
