Alkaloids in Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals are food extract supplements, utilized to ameliorate health, delay senescence, prevent diseases, and support the proper functioning of the human body. It is a broad umbrella term used to describe any product derived from food sources that provides extra health benefits in addition to the basic nutritional value found in foods. By the turn of the twenty-first century, the use of nutraceuticals became increasingly popular in both humans and animals due to their easy access, cost-effectiveness, and tolerability with a wide margin of safety. Bioactive compounds are considered nutritional products that have many health benefits and multiple therapeutic potential. Typically, bioactive compounds are categorized under herbal source and dietary supplements. Among them, alkaloids are bioactive compounds of herbal origin that play an important role in the biological processes of microorganisms, plants, and animals. It has been found that some alkaloids have a promising future in nutraceuticals based on their natural and unique health functions.

The role of alkaloids in nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals have proven health benefits and their consumption within the acceptable Recommended Dietary Intake will prevent diseases and maintain good health. Alkaloids play an important role in nutraceuticals as an important chemical. Its role includes but is not limited to the following.

• Treatment of obesity

Obesity is a global health problem and contributes to various serious medical conditions. One of the main causes of obesity is the consumption of high-fat foods. Nutraceuticals are presently being investigated for their potential in obesity management. Nuciferine, an aromatic ring-containing alkaloid, is a main bioactive component obtained from the lotus leaf and has been reported to possess extensive pharmacological activities, including but not limited to antiinflammation, antioxidation, and vasorelaxant effects. Notably, nuciferine treatment alleviated dyslipidemia as well as liver steatosis and injury by inhibiting the expression of hepatic genes involved in lipid metabolism. This is crucial for fat reduction and weight loss.

Figure 1. The structure of nuciferine.

• Prevention of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Nutraceuticals containing alkaloids have been developed for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is one of the few plant alkaloids with which the general public is readily familiar, because of its occurrence in beverages such as coffee and tea, as well as various soft drinks. Caffeine may be beneficial in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease because it increases extracellular levels of acetylcholine and serotonin (both are neurotransmitter hormones involved in the transmission of nerve impulses) by binding to adenosine receptors in human brain suggesting that caffeine usage can reduce age-related cognitive decline.

Figure 2. The structure of caffeine.

What can we do?

Alfa Chemistry has developed a range of alkaloids to meet the nutritional needs of our customers. We will serve you with the most abundant experience and affordable price. If you have any problems, we will provide technical support and develop a unique solution for you. Please don't hesitate to contact us.