Table 1.
Classification of nutraceuticals, sources and potential benefits
| Class | Source | Potential benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Carotenoids | ||
| Beta-carotene | Carrots, various fruits | Neutralizes free radicals, which may damage cells; bolsters cellular antioxidant defenses |
| Lycopene | Tomatoes and processed tomato products | May contribute to maintenance of prostate health |
| 2. Dietary fiber | ||
| Insoluble fiber | Wheat bran | May contribute to maintenance of a healthy digestive tract, hypocholesterolemic |
| Soluble fiber | Pectins of fruits e.g. apple | May contribute to maintenance of a healthy digestive tract, hypocholesterolemic |
| 3. Fatty acids | ||
| Monosaturated fatty acids | Tree nuts | May reduce risk of coronary heart disease |
| 4. Flavonoids | ||
| Flavonols | Onions, apples, tea, broccoli | Neutralize free radicals, which may damage cells; bolster cellular antioxidant defenses |
| 5. Isothiocyanates | ||
| Sulforaphane | Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, kale, horseradish | May enhance detoxification of undesirable compounds and bolster cellular antioxidant defenses |
| 6. Phenols | ||
| Caffeic acid, ferulic acid their derivatives and related compounds | Apples, pears, citrus fruits, some vegetables, turmeric, Grapes, tea, gooseberries | May booster cellular antioxidant defenses; may contribute to maintenance of vision and heart health |
| 7. Plant stanols/sterols | ||
| Stanol/sterol esters | Fortified table spreads, stanol ester dietary supplements | May reduce risk of coronary heart disease |
| 8. Polyols | ||
| Sugar alcohols (xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol, lactitol) | Some chewing gums and other food applications | May reduce risk of dental caries (cavities) |
| 9. Prebiotics/probiotics | ||
| Lactobacilli, bifidobacteria | Yogurt, other dairy and nondairy applications | May improve gastrointestinal health and systematic immunity |
| 10. Phytoestrogens | ||
| Isoflavones (daidzein, genistein) | Soybeans and soy-based foods | May contribute to maintenance of bone health, healthy brain and immune functions; for women, maintenance of menopausal health |
| 11. Soy protein | ||
| Soy protein | Soybeans and soy-based foods | May reduce risk of coronary heart disease |
| 12. Sulfides/thiols | ||
| a. Dithiolthiones | ||
| b. Allyl sulphoxy aminoacids | Cruciferous vegetables Allium vegetables |
May contribute to maintenance of healthy immune function |
| c. Allicin, Ajoen | Do (crushed forms) | Do |
| 13. Tocotrienol (isoprenoids) | Grains, palm oil | Anticancer (breast cancer), promotes cardiovascular health |
| 14. Saponins | Soyabeans | Lowers cholesterol level, anticancer activity (colon) |
| 15. Glucosinolates | Cruciferous vegetables | Anticancer (bladder cancer) |
| 16. Alkaloids | ||
| Quinine | Cinchona | Antimalarial |
| Tropane alkaloids | Solanaceous members: deadly night shade datura | In treatment of heart ailments |
| Morphine | Opium poppy | Anti depressent, pain killer |
| Ergot alkaloids | Fungus: Claviceps purpurea | Abortifacient |
| Vincristine | periwinkle | Antineoplastic |
| Vinblastine | Periwinkle | Antineoplastic |
| Coumarin | Fenugreek | Hypoglycemic |
| Scopoletin | Fenugreek | Hypoglycemic |
| Fenugreekine | Fenugreek | Hypoglycemic |
| Trigonelliine | Fenugreek | Hypoglycemic |
| 17. Non carotenoid terpenoids | ||
| Perillyl alcohol | Cherries and mints | Anticancer |
| Saponins | Legumes (chicks, peas, fenugreek) | Reduces cholesterol levels |
| Terpenol | Carrots | Anticancer |
| Terpene limonoids | Peels and membrane of citrus fruit | Anticarcinogenic |
| 18. Anthraquinones | ||
| Senna | Legumes and pulses | Purgative |
| Barbaloin | Aloe | Laxative, helmintic |
| 19. Terpenes | ||
| Menthol | Plants of mint family | Topical pain reliever and antipyretic |
| Borneol | Pine oil | Disinfectant |
| Santonin | Worm wood | Photosensitizer |
| Gossypol | Cotton | Contraceptive |