Topic overview

Start with the big picture

The concept of nutraceuticals includes several product types—dietary supplements, functional foods, medical foods, and farmaceuticals—distinguished by regulatory intent and dosage form. Functional foods, such as fortified yogurts and omega-3 eggs, incorporate bioactive components into familiar food matrices. Pharmacognosy supports botanical identification, authentication, and phytochemical profiling, while macroscopic, microscopic, chromatographic, and spectroscopic methods help assess quality and detect adulteration. Evaluation also involves toxicological screening, herb–drug interactions, allergenicity, and evidence ranging from laboratory studies to clinical research and meta-analyses. Regulatory approaches vary across regions and focus on intended use and health claims. The wider topic considers clinical targets, sustainability and traceability, innovation, consumer trends, limitations, and the pharmacist’s role.