According to the Merriam-Webster English Dictionary, a nutraceutical is defined as “a foodstuff (such as a fortified food or dietary supplement) that provides health benefits in addition to its basic nutritional value.” Nutraceuticals may consist of a single food or plant ingredient or a combination of components that have multiple active ingredients.

Many nutraceutical products have demonstrated, either in vitro or in vivo, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic properties that may improve general health and well-being and may prevent or even treat certain diseases. Likewise, some nutraceuticals have been extensively studied and have a clearly delineated mechanism of action and established efficacy and safety data. However, unlike foodstuffs, which are regulated in the USA by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and by similar governmental agencies in many countries, nutraceuticals are subject to no such regulation and can be sold without proof of effectiveness or safety.