Nutraceuticals applications
As described by Stephen De Felice (founder and chairman of FIM) in 1989, nutraceuticals can be defined as “food, or parts of a food, that provide medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease”.
The global nutraceutical market is expected to reach around 455 billion euros by 2022, at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2017 to 2022. Consumer trend is changing towards preventive rather than reactive to health issues, especially due to increasing healthcare costs in developed countries. There is also a shift in consumer preference from synthetic ingredients to natural and organic ingredients and foods. The nutraceutical market is comprised of functional foods and beverages and dietary supplements. Recent innovations and findings of function-specific antioxidants are expected to create new opportunities in this booming sector.
Extracts from Artemisia annua are currently offered as nutritional supplements in form of capsules and in liquid form in Europe and the US, and are mostly used against gastrointestinal disorders and menstrual pain. Due to the growing evidence of the beneficial properties of Artemisia annua and the fact that it is one of the top 4 most antioxidant plants in the world, we expect demand to grow, and this would allow Artennua to be used not just as an antioxidant, but also as a detox agent, and to improve the immune system, anaemia disorders, common cold and abdominal pain. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties work on swollen and tired limbs under the effect of rheumatism and gout.
* As with most medicinal plants, it is important to take into consideration the possible side effects and contraindications of taking Artemisia annua; before using it, topically or internally, it is highly recommended to take advice from an experienced medical practitioner.
