List of Traditional Knowledge

List of summarized information for nutraceutical reported in traditional and household knowledge

The father of medicine, well said 'Let food be the medicine and medicine be thy food.'' Nutraceuticals are harmless foods that are not required nutrients but still have biological value such as resistance to disease, antioxidants, and immune system modulation. There has been a growing interest in nutraceuticals, which have excellent health advantages and work better than contemporary medication and have strong origins in the old Indian medical system, "Ayurveda”. The accurate meaning of Ayurveda is “Science of life or Science of Longevity” because it offers to live a long and healthy life.

• Herbal treatments and nutritional supplements are popular healthy substitutes for people. These supplements complete the nutritious value of the diet and some of them are:
  1. Asparagus racemosus (Wild Shatavari) is a potential Ayurvedic rejuvenate and supports the immune system.
  2. Commiphoramukul is a major constituent in joint and possesses strong immunomodulating properties.
  3. Cyperusscariosus maintains healthy genitourinary system along with hepatoprotective action.
  4. Garcinia cambogia is a fruit having hydroxycitric acid which hampers lipids and fatty acids. Hydroxycitric acid is responsible for the inhibition of the enzyme ATP-citrate leading to decrease in the production of acetyl-CoA which plays a crucial role in metabolizing fat and carbohydrates.
  5. Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) is a useful medicine for gastrointestinal health.
  6. Gymnemasylvestre has glycolytic action and Melia azadirachta (neem) is used as astringent that promotes healing.
  7. Momordica charantia (L. Karela, bitter melon) finding its extensive usage in Ayurveda contains gurmarin, which is similar to bovine insulin that suppresses responses of neurons in brain to sweet taste.
  8. Nardostachysjatamansi (DC. Jatamansi, musk root) is a plant effective for mental health.
  9. Piper longum (L. pippali, Indian long pepper) is a powerful stimulant for both the digestive and the respiratory systems and has a rejuvenating effect on lungs.
  10. Pippali is a typical Ayurvedic complementary component whose benefit is to increase the bioavailability and enhance absorption of the other active ingredients.
  11. Piper nigrum (L. Maricha, black pepper) is one of the most important spices which is widely used to amplify the body’s ability to absorb nutrients contained in the food and aid the digestive process.
  12. Bergenia ligulata (Wall Pasanavheda) is diuretic in action.
  13. Terminalia chebula (Retz. Haritaki) is effectively used as a purgative, expectorant and is a strong antimutagenic agent.
  14. Tinospora cordifolia (MiersGuduchi) is a potent immunity booster having high content of vitamin C.
  15. The “Indian Ginseng” Zingiber officinale Rosc Sunth improves absorption and prevents gastrointestinal side effects.
• Grain/fruit/vegetable based traditional health foods:

  Grains are a nutrient-dense food that provides the body with essential nutrients. Fruits and vegetables are rich source of flavonoids, minerals, vitamins and carotenoids.

  1. Enduripitha is a flavoured cake native to Odisha state, prepared during the prathamastami festival.
  2. Dhokla is indigenous probiotic breakfast food found mainly in Gujarat state. It has very antioxidative properties. It is also helpul for diabetic patient.
  3. Bale dandupalya is a food made from the stem of banana plants. It is good for diabetic patients and also those who are suffering from stomach problems.
  4. Banana stem juice can be used for treating hypoglycaemia.
  5. Jamun fruit (Syzygiumcumini) belongs to the family Myrtaceae. Different parts of the tree including leaf, bark, seed, and pulp, are used in the treatment of diabetes, allergies, viral infection, inflammation, and gastric ulcer.
  6. Bharwan karela are bitter gourd, onions, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, coriander and dry mango powder. This preparation is good for diabetic patients.
  7. Ginna is a colostrum-based Indian sweet. Colostrum is a rich source of immune components such as immunoglobulins, and iron binding lactoferrin protein, and nutrients such as vitamin A and minerals.

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• General recommended measures by AYUSH for immunity booster
  1. Drink warm water throughout the day.
  2. Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes as advised by Ministry of AYUSH.
  3. Spices like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun (Garlic) are recommended in cooking.
  4. Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar free Chyavanprash.
  5. Drink herbal tea/decoction (Kadha) made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black pepper), Shunthi (Dry Ginger) and Munakka (Raisin) - once or twice a day. Addjaggery (natural sugar) and / or fresh lemon juice to your taste, if needed.
  6. Golden Milk- Half tea spoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk -once or twice a day.

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• A summarized information for nutraceutical reported in Folklore:

  Traditional and folk medicine in India uses over 25,000 effective plant-based medicines. In India, the traditional medicinal system is used by around 1.5 million practitioners to provide health treatment. Some common medicinal plants having nutraceuticalpotential and their primary use in folklore while highlighting its immunoboosting properties are Click Here

  1. C. longa is grown simply to produce rhizomes which arecommonly used in folk medicine. Source
  2. C.manggais highly valued in Indonesian folk medicine for its healing properties in thetreatment of stomach disorders, fever, and cancer-relateddiseases.
  3. Black cumin seed and oil have long been used as a tonic to boost health and disease prevention. They have been shown to have immunopotentiation, immunomodulating, and interferon-like properties. Source
• Some of the databases of traditional uses of plant can be found here
  1. Database on medicinal plants used in Ayurveda
  2. Herbal Medicine