HERBAL MEDICINES AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS IN CLINICAL NUTRITION & METABOLISM

Authors: Mane Dipali

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijnmhs.13455.1760592049

Keywords: Phytotherapeutics, Nutraceuticals, Metabolic Homeostasis, Bioavailability, Clinical Nutrition

Abstract: Herbal medicines and dietary supplements have emerged as pivotal adjuncts in clinical nutrition and metabolic health, offering bioactive compounds that modulate physiological pathways beyond basic nourishment. Unlike conventional pharmaceuticals, these agents often exert multi-targeted actions through phytochemicals, polyphenols, flavonoids, and micronutrient synergies, thereby influencing oxidative stress, inflammatory cascades, endocrine regulation, and mitochondrial bioenergetics. Contemporary evidence underscores their role in managing metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and dyslipidemia by enhancing insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, and gut–microbiome interactions. Moreover, nutraceutical interventions such as curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, resveratrol, and ginseng demonstrate significant potential in attenuating chronic low-grade inflammation and promoting metabolic homeostasis. However, their integration into clinical practice remains constrained by heterogeneity in phytochemical standardization, dosage optimization, bioavailability, and inter-individual variability. Rigorous clinical trials, mechanistic investigations, and advanced pharmacokinetic modeling are essential to establish therapeutic efficacy and safety profiles. Furthermore, the interplay between herbal bioactives and conventional drugs necessitates critical evaluation to prevent adverse interactions. A translational approach linking molecular insights with evidence-based dietary strategies can refine personalized nutrition and metabolic interventions. This paradigm shift advocates for the incorporation of validated herbal medicines and dietary supplements into preventive and therapeutic frameworks, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern clinical nutrition. Ultimately, leveraging these bio-resources may significantly contribute to global strategies aimed at reducing the burden of non-communicable metabolic diseases.