Introductory Memo
Few products are as familiar to Indian households as Chyawanprash. For generations, it has been consumed as a trusted Ayurvedic formulation associated with health and vitality. In today's terminology, it would fall under the category of "nutraceuticals" – a space that lies between food and medicine. Modern dietary supplements, sold as powders, tablets, capsules or drinks, are also marketed under this label. But what exactly are nutraceuticals? Are they medicines, foods, or something in between? More importantly, does the term help companies avoid the stricter regulations that apply to pharmaceuticals while selling products as nutritional supplements? With the nutraceutical industry growing rapidly in India and around the world, these questions deserve closer attention. If not definitive answers, they certainly warrant a serious debate on the promises and pitfalls of nutraceuticals.