Role of nutraceuticals in respiratory and allied diseases

Abstract Respiratory disorders are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality affecting people of all ages and are a major global health concern. The respiratory system is highly susceptible to a variety of pathophysiological insults which could be inflammatory, infectious, immunological, or traumatic in origin. Current treatment modalities are generally symptomatic, have safety concerns, and recently refractory cases have also been observed. Hence the onus is now on using disease-alleviating strategies where natural substances play a crucial role. Nutraceuticals like food supplements, vitamins, minerals, and herbal products are increasingly being used by healthcare providers as they are not only safer but also efficacious in some specific situations, particularly in chronic diseases. In addition to their efficacy and safety, the pharmacoeconomic viability of such agents has led to an increase in popularity in developing countries. Food and nutrients, probiotics and prebiotics, vitamins and minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids, medicinal plant extracts and their important phytoconstituents, etc., are being extensively used by both traditional and modern systems of medicine for the treatment of various disease states including respiratory illnesses. This chapter provides an update on some of the issues relating to nutraceuticals and their applications in respiratory and allied diseases.