Exploration of the Potential of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity for the Development of Local Nutraceutical Products: A Case for Mauritius

Terrestrial plants, marine flora and fauna: Potential candidates for the development of nutraceuticals

A repertoire of 126 organisms to include 107 terrestrial plants; six and 13 marine flora and fauna that represents potential candidates for the development of nutraceuticals in Mauritius, has been successfully proposed in this process. Post application of the score attribution system to all 126 species, a prioritized list of 45 plants emerged, as depicted in Table 2.

All 45 plants are worth considering for local nutraceutical production. However, the ensuing discussion will focus on the following: (A) Ten terrestrial plants [Figure 2], in particular, moringa, strawberry guava, papaya, pineapple, tea, noni, pomegranate, garlic, lemongrass and turmeric due to the gamut of commercial products that can be derived from them, the numerous pharmacological effects and potential for commercial cultivation in Mauritius and (B) two marine species, namely, Spirulina and Chlorella on the account of the intensifying consumer interest, growing markets, and countless health-promoting properties [Figure 3a and b].

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Figure 2:

(1) Moringa; (2) Yellow and Red varieties of strawberry guava; (3) Papaya; (4) Noni; (5) Pomegranate; (6) Turmeric rhizome; (7) Pineapple; (8) Tea; (9) Ginger; (10) Lemongrass.

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Figure 3:

(a) Light microscopy of Arthrospira filaments from natural environment (magnification ×200). (Source: Furmaniak et al., [267]). (b) Light microscopy of Chlorella vulgaris KNUA027 at ×1000 magnification on a Nikon Eclipse E100 Biological Microscope (Japan) (Source. Hong et al.,^[268]).

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Moringa: The miracle tree

Moringa oleifera Lam, native to north western India, is a sole genus of Moringaceae family with 13 species widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions around the world.^[170,171] Commonly known as Moringa, drumstick tree, ben oil tree, miracle tree and “brède Mouroum” in the local vernacular, it is a hardy plant that can withstand both severe drought and mild frost conditions.^[172] Almost all parts of the plant are used including leaves, pods, bark, roots, and flowers. In Mauritius, Moringa is traditionally used as an anti-diabetic agent, to alleviate pain in joints and muscles, to treat anemia, and to increase lactation in nursing mothers.^[30] In Africa, Moringa is consumed by individuals affected by diabetes, hypertension, or HIV/AIDS.^[170] Other traditional uses reported in the literature include in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, colitis, sores, skin infections, anemia, cuts, scrapes, rashes, sign of aging, asthma, dental decay, malaria, anxiety, bronchitis, catarrh, chest congestion, cholera, glandular, swelling, fever, headaches, conjunctivitis, cough, pain in joints, pimples, psoriasis, respiratory disorders, and diabetes among others.^[170,172] The anti-diabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-arthritic activities of Moringa are supported by in vitro studies.^[172] In vivo studies involving rat models have validated the use of Moringa as an anti-diabetic agent, a potent neuroprotectant, an anti-ulcer, and an anti-arthritic agent.^[173-178] There are numerous commercial applications of Moringa, notably, infusions, powder and capsules from leaves, Ben oil, and infusions with hypocholesterolemic properties from flowers and fortifying moringa in snacks such as cookies, cream, and butter crackers.^[172] Locally, Moringa leaves infusions and Moringa powder and capsules are already marketed. Therefore, this represents a great opportunity to further explore local Moringa plants to expand the range of locally manufactured Moringa nutraceuticals.

Strawberry guava: A potent novelty

Strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum Sabine) is an exotic tropical plant native to the temperate zones of Brazil.^[131] P. cattleianum Sabine belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is commonly known as strawberry guava, Chinese guava, cattley guava, or cherry guava, and locally called “goyaves de chine.”^[30,127,131] This shrub is highly adaptable and can withstand conditions involving temperature and water extremes.^[130,179] Both the leaves and fruits of the plant are used in the traditional medicine system.^[128] In Mauritius, a decoction of the immature fruits is used in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery while the fruits are consumed as a source of Vitamin C to treat scurvy.^[30] Around the world, the Psidium species is used in folk medicine for antiseptic purposes, for digestive purposes, for antihemorrhagic action, to control blood pressure, as diuretic, and in decoctions for the treatment of diarrhea.^[128] In vitro studies have provided evidence to the antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of strawberry guava.^{[126-131,180]} Moreover, in vivo experiments using rat models have substantiated the antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antifungal, and anti-aging activities of P. cattleianum Sabine.^{[131,181,182]} Although strawberry guava fruit is widely consumed fresh or used to flavor beverages, ice creams and desserts or in fillings, jams, jellies, sauces, there are currently almost no nutraceutical products derived from the Psidium species on the global market.^[179,180] The only product that can be found on international websites are fresh strawberry guava leaves for infusion (https://www.movagarden.com/fresh-cattleyguava-leaves). P. cattleianum Sabine offers great scope for transformation into innovative health products owing to its assortment of beneficial activities but the invasive nature of the plant remains a sizeable barrier to overcome.^[180]

Carica papaya Linn.: A highly promising nutraceutical crop

C. papaya Linn, belonging to the family Caricaceae, is a tropical tree, native to Central America and now widely cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world for its fruits and latex.^[183-185] Commonly known as papaya or pawpaw, C. papaya L. was introduced in Mauritius in the 18^th century and now grows in a number of geographic locations in Mauritius, being a resilient crop that adapts well, even on difficult terrain conditions, to the Mauritian agro-climate.^[186] Both the green and ripe fruits can be utilized. Indeed, several parts of the C. papaya plant are used in traditional medicine in Mauritius: the ripe fruit for stomach/peptic ulcer and constipation, hypertension, high cholesterol level and as anti-pimple, anti-pigmentation and skin moisturizer; the green fruit for stomach and duodenal ulcers; the seeds for intestinal worms; the roots for pain in joints, muscles and arthritis; and the latex as vermifuge.^[30] Other reported uses in folk medicine include antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, wound healing, antisickling, abortifacient, antifertility, antitumor, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic.^[86,183] Studies have reported that papaya exhibits a wide range of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antihelminthic, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-hyperglycemic, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-hypertensive, immunomodulatory, gastro-protective, antinociceptive, anti-pyretic, antioxidant, antimalarial, and antihyperlipidemic which can be ascribed to the chemical diversity it possesses.^{[184,185, 187, 188]} Both the ripe and unripe papaya fruit can be consumed in salads, beverages, or in dehydrated, crystallized, canned, pickled form, or fermented into wine.^[183,189] Fermented products derived from papaya, for instance, the popular fermented papaya preparation, confers physiological protection against diabetes, cancer, and respiratory diseases.^[77,190,191]

Noni: A superfruit gaining popularity

Morinda citrifolia L. commonly known as noni is a tropical plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family, believed to have originated from South Asia and is now found in several countries across the globe where it is cultivated commercially.^[149,192] It is a resilient plant that is resistant to severe weather and can withstand different environmental conditions.^[149] Noni parts including fruits, seeds, barks, leaves, and flowers are used for their individual nutritional and therapeutic properties but the fruit is deemed to be most valuable in terms of bioactive constituents.^[192,193] In Mauritius, noni is used traditionally in the treatment of sprains, swellings, rheumatism, toxic fish poisoning and against type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension.^[12,30] Other ethnopharmacological uses reported worldwide pertain to the use of noni leaves and fruits as blood purifiers, antihelminthic agents, dietary supplements, against digestive disorders, hypertension, tuberculosis, urinary tract dysfunctions, diabetes, depression, and as appetite stimulator.^[12,149,193] Reported in vitro biological activities of noni include: wound-healing, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, anti-arthritic, immune stimulating, and analgesic properties.^[48,193] In vivo studies using rat models have corroborated the anti-diabetic, ulcer healing, memory enhancing, and anticancer activities of noni.^[148,149] The anticancer activity has been investigated at the level of clinical trial but no conclusive evidence has been obtained which prompts further experimentation before using M. citrifolia in therapeutic anticancer medicine.^[194] Products developed from noni fruits and leaves are commonly marketed in the form of pills, tablets, capsules, teas, powders, purees, and juice.^[12,149] In the last few decades, M. citrifolia has emerged as a popular health product, due to its claimed beneficial physiological effects as a stimulant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Pomegranate: A fruit with myriad virtues

Pomegranate, scientifically known as Punica granatum L., belongs to the family of Punicaceae and is native to northern India and to Iran but is widely cultivated in the Asian and African regions including Mauritius.^[195,196] Documented use of pomegranate in Mauritian ethnomedicine includes consumption of macerated bark extracts to treat diarrhea, dysentery, asthma, and intestinal worms; consumption of pulp for cardiovascular diseases and to control high cholesterol levels; and usage of the rind in the treatment of diarrhea.^[30,195] The use of pomegranate in traditional medicine is deeply entrenched in Ayurveda.^[197] The rind of the fruit and the bark of the pomegranate tree is used as a traditional remedy against diarrhea, dysentery and intestinal parasites while the seeds and juice are considered a tonic for the heart, throat, eyes and used for a variety of purposes, such as stopping nose bleeds and gum bleeds, toning skin, firming-up sagging breasts, and treating hemorrhoids.^[197] Bhowmik et al. reported in vitro biological activities of pomegranate include anticancer, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, UV protective, memory enhancing, anti-arthritic, wound healing, anti-obesity, lipid-lowering, antimalarial, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory.^{[111,195-199]} Pomegranate has exhibited antiproliferative and anti-invasive effects on different cancer cell lines in vitro, in vivo and in clinical trials. ^{[109,196,200,201]} In vivo studies and clinical studies have supported the antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-hypercholesterolemic, immune stimulating, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective properties of pomegranate.^{[109,196,202-208]} Nutraceutical and functional food products from P. granatum include 100% pomegranate juices, pomegranate-containing beverages, extracts of pomegranate plant parts such as leaves, flowers, seeds and peel, pomegranate seed oil, and skin care products containing pomegranate extracts and/or seed oil as main ingredient.^[201,209]

Turmeric: The golden medicine

Curcuma longa L, commonly known as turmeric, is native to tropical South Asia and belongs to the Zingiberaceae family.^[210] This extensively grown spice is of huge interest to both the scientific and medical spheres as well as the gastronomical world due to its chemical diversity and its multitude of therapeutic properties. The rhizome is widely used in Mauritius in traditional medicine to alleviate cough, eye problems, bronchitis, asthma, pain, fever, contusions, wounds, measles, postpartum bleeding, and cardiovascular disease.^[30] It is also used as phytocosmetic for face cleanser, facemask, skin moisturizer, and whitening agent.^[28] In different regions of India, turmeric is used in traditional medicine in the treatment of cuts, wounds, stomach ache, body pain, joint pain, asthma, itching, bloating, cold, foot rot, intestinal wounds, withering of foot pad, dyspepsia, cancer, fever, malaria, bone fracture, headache, arthritis, neurasthenia, piles, dental caries, skin diseases, rheumatism, sprain, flatulence, diabetes, muscle injury, snake bite, gangrene, cataract, urticaria, ringworm, dry skin, wrinkled skin, prickly heat, measles, psoriasis, pimples on face, breast disorder, and spleen disorder.^[28] The characteristic yellow color of turmeric is due to the presence of curcuminoids which is mainly composed of curcumin (75–81%), demethoxycurcumin (15– 19%), and bisdemethoxycurcumin (2.2–6.6%).^[211] Curcumin, the most prevalent natural polyphenol in turmeric, possesses several biological activities that are supported by in vitro studies, including: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, photo-protection, neuroprotection, immunomodulatory, nephroprotective, wound healing, and gastroprotective among many others.^[211-212] In vivo studies using rat models provide evidence for the antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-obesity, antitumor, analgesic, anti-pyretic, wound healing, and skin care activities.^[210-221]

Clinical studies have demonstrated the anti-arthritic effects of curcumin in humans with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.^[213,222] Curcumin is commonly commercialized in multiple forms including capsules, tablets, ointments, beverages, soaps, skin care products, and cosmetics.^[213]

Pineapple: Source of the valuable enzyme, bromelain

Ananas comosus (L.) Merr, popularly known as pineapple, is a plant of the Bromeliaceae family.^[223,224] Pineapple is mainly cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions.^[223] In Mauritius, the fruit is traditionally used as an abortifacient, anthelmintic, diuretic, and laxative agent; and used against whooping cough in children.^[30] Various parts of the plant pineapple are used in traditional medicine worldwide for treatment of a number of diseases and disorders. The fruits, stems, and leaves of pineapple are used as antimicrobial, vermicide, laxative, abortifacient, anti-edema, and anti-inflammatory agent and in different aspects of wound healing like anti-edema, anti-inflammatory agent in soft tissue injury, osteoarthritis, and as a debriding agent.^[68] The fruit contains a proteolytic enzyme namely bromelain which exhibits a wide array of beneficial therapeutic effects.^[224] In vitro biological activities associated with bromelain pertain to its anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-metastatic, appetite stimulating, immunomodulatory, and cardioprotective activities.^[224-227] In vivo and clinical studies have validated the cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-diarrheal, antimicrobial, anticancer, wound-healing, anti-thrombotic, anti-arthritic, and antihypertensive activities of pineapple and confirmed its effectiveness as a fibrinolytic agent.^{[225,226,228-230]} Indeed, bromelain is popular as a nutritional supplement used to promote health, alleviate acute inflammation and treat sport injuries.^[230] It is also noteworthy that malic acid in pineapple assists in maintaining oral health, enhancing immunity, and preventing dental plaque formation.^[223]

Mauritian tea: A panoply of bioactive constituents

Tea, Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze, belonging to the family Theaceae, is native to Southeast Asia.^[161] Tea made from the leaves of C. sinensis is a widely consumed beverage around the world and there are three major varieties of tea - green, black, and oolong.^{[161,231,232]} The difference between the teas lies in their processing; green tea is produced from unfermented leaves, the leaves of oolong tea are partially fermented, while the leaves are fully fermented to prepare black tea.^{[161,232,233]} Locally, ethnopharmacological usage of tea include as tonic, stimulant, astringent, in the treatment of conjunctivitis, eye infection, cataract, diarrhea, type 2 diabetes mellitus, high level of cholesterol, and as anti-dark circles and anti-wrinkle agent.^[30] Across the globe, tea is commonly used as a stimulant, diuretic, astringent, cardioprotective agent; to treat flatulence, to regulate body temperature and blood sugar, to assist in digestion, and to enhance mental processes among others.^[234,235] Luximon-Ramma et al. investigated the polyphenol constituents of Mauritian commercial black tea and reported exceptionally high levels (+)-Catechin ((+)-C), (−)-epicatechin ((−)-EC), (−)-epicatechin 3-gallate ((−)-ECG), (−)-epigallocatechin ((−)-EGC), (−)- epigallocatechin 3-gallate ((−)-EGCG), and gallic acid which reflect an excellent source of polyphenolic constituents with consequent antioxidant activities.^[7] A study by Toolsee et al. demonstrated the potential of Mauritian green tea in alleviating one of the most severe complications of diabetes, diabetic nephropathy.^[164] Clinical trials conducted locally concluded that the consumption of black tea can help to significantly reduce the level of uric acid and C-reactive protein in individuals susceptible to cardiovascular diseases; and demonstrated its hypoglycemic and antioxidant capacities.^[8,10] Furthermore, a clinical trial conducted by Ramlagan et al. reported the anti-diabetic, cardioprotective and anti-hypercholesterolemic activities of the Mauritian green tea.^[14] Indeed, studies performed on the Mauritian tea have highlighted their very high contents in antioxidant active metabolites, compared to teas grown elsewhere, thus providing an originality base for the development of health products. Common nutraceuticals derived from tea include green tea, green tea extracts for consumption and incorporated in cosmeceutical formulations, green tea capsules, functional food and beverage (e.g. catechin candy, green tea ice cream, and catechin tea bar), herbal teas and tea wine.^{[233,236,237]}

Ginger: A valuable rhizome

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is endemic to India.^[238,239] It has been commonly consumed as a dietary supplement, condiment and a key ingredient in traditional herbal medicine for a long time.^[240] In Mauritius, ginger is traditionally used as diuretic, to help with digestion, to control high cholesterol level, against blood spitting, pulmonary infection, postpartum bleeding, labor pain, abdominal pain, influenza, cold, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and pulmonary infection among others.^[30] The rhizome of the plant is commonly used in decoctions, pastes, and infusions as part of traditional medicine. Around the world, ginger is traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer; to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold among others.^{[238,241,242]} The numerous pharmacological activities of ginger pertain to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, antinausea, anti-emetic properties, and protective effects against respiratory disorders.^{[238-240,242]} All of the aforementioned biological activities of ginger have been substantiated by in vitro, in vivo experiments, and/or clinical trials.^[238-243] The effectiveness of ginger against a number of chronic diseases plaguing the global population renders it a potent ingredient for nutraceuticals. Indeed, ginger supplements, ginger oil, ginger powder, ginger tea, and beverages are common nutraceutical products on the market which are heavily consumed.^[244]

Lemongrass: A mighty resource

Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, commonly known as lemongrass or citronella, belongs to the Poaceae family and grows in a number of tropical and subtropical regions around the world.^[135] In Mauritius, the leaves of the lemongrass plant are commonly used in ethnomedicine. Locally, the common traditional usage includes the treatment and management of asthma, respiratory disorders, bronchitis, coughs, colds, fever, migraine, flu, abdominal pain, postpartum pain, and abortion among others.^[26,30] Around the world, the leaves have been traditionally used in tea and decoctions for their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fever, antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-hermetic, antibacterial, and diuretic properties.^[245,246] Reported pharmacological activities encompass antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antifungal, antimalarial, anti-obesity, antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti-HIV, anti-diabetic, anticancer, insecticidal, and dermatotoxicity effects.^[246] The antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and anti-HIV activities of lemongrass have been validated by in vivo trials.^{[135,245,247-250]} A popular nutraceutical derived from this plant is the lemongrass essential oil which is used against flu, colds, nausea, menstrual problems, headaches, muscle cramps, and rheumatisms; and to improve digestion.^[138] The essential oil is also used as a stimulating agent, tonic, diuretic, and aroma among others.^[138]

Spirulina: A complete food source

Spirulina platensis is a non-toxic cyanobacteria that has gained considerable popularity in the natural health food industry over the years as a complete food source owing to its high protein content (up to 62%) and presence of minerals (including calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc and selenium), vitamins (provitamins; Vitamin A Vitamin E, and various B Vitamins), amino acids, essential fatty acids, carotenoids, sulfolipids, glycolipids, and polysaccharides.^[251-254] Spirulina also acts as a functional food, feeding beneficial intestinal flora, including Lactobacillus and Bifidus.^[255] Ciferri reported pharmacological activities include antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, anticancer, immunity-boosting, nephroprotective, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.^[254] Besides Spirulina pills and capsules, Spirulina is also added to chocolate bars, cookies, beverages, which are commercialized as health foods.^[117]

Chlorella: A source of essential fatty acids

Chlorella vulgaris, a green alga from the Chlorophyceae class, is a renowned food supplement with important antioxidant potential and valuable therapeutic virtues.^[256] C.vulgaris contains 43–58% protein, essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, lipids, carotenoids, Vitamins A, B, C, and E, and minerals including calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc.^[256] C. vulgaris contains a variety of compounds, including antioxidants and a glycoprotein, which may act on different pathways of tumor cell growth and survival.^[257] Reported biological activities for C. vulgaris encompass antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, wound healing, antioxidant, anti-Alzheimer, and immunostimulating properties.^{[256,258,259]} One of the most important polysaccharides in C. vulgaris is β-1,3-glucan, which is an active immunostimulator, a potent free radical scavenger and an antihyperlipidemic agent.^[256] Moreover, the tissue stimulating effects of C. vulgaris have enormous potential in cosmetic and skin care products, as it exhibits collagen-forming properties, anti-wrinkling, and anti-aging activities.^[258,260]

Drivers for the subsequent development of marine nutraceuticals

A number of metabolites produced by marine organisms are considered as high-value commercial products for both the phytocosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.^[261-263] However, several barriers hinder marine bioprospecting for product development and thus, they need to be addressed to increase the success rate of health products derived from marine sources. At present, only a fraction of the marine diversity prevailing in our oceans are known, which engenders limitations, to the best of our knowledge, and in turn use of these resources.^[264] Therefore, sampling techniques need to be honed to allow collection of samples which exhibit promising industrial application but are found in unreachable zones of the oceans.^[265] Both the classical and molecular methods including macroscopic examination, microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, high-pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, involved in determining the taxonomy and classification of a species need to be employed to enhance the process, and improve knowledge on marine species diversity.^[266]

The success of a product development program majorly depends on the availability and sustainable supply of the starting material. Therefore, new culturing techniques such as mariculture, land-based aquaculture, and metagenomics are imperative to ensure a continued supply of marine resources.^[264] Marine species, which are less vulnerable to environmental fluctuations and can be reproduced under lab-controlled conditions, should be prioritized for product development.^[265] Improving extraction techniques by rendering them more productive, sensitive, and robust will enable the screening of small amounts of bioactive constituents’ samples with low concentration issues.^[264] Furthermore, the structure elucidation process for metabolites derived from marine sources should be enhanced by applying the most appropriate and rigorous techniques before further use.^[264]

Drivers for the subsequent development of terrestrial plant-based nutraceuticals

The global market is flooded with nutraceutical products derived from plant sources, which attest to the growing interest in natural botanical products. The biodiversity existing in Mauritius offers countless possibilities in terms of transformation into nutraceuticals. Therefore, it is crucial to address the potent impediments to this mushrooming sector. The financial status of an enterprise is directly proportional to its productive output. Availability of funding for initial capital investment in production of raw materials and processing of raw materials into nutraceuticals will thus serve as a booster. The global spread of these products has raised significant questions about the scientific evidence to back claims associated with them and in the process, has rendered the commercialization procedure stringent. Enabling access to adequate R and D infrastructure and resources to provide support to processors will allow them to successfully validate their product before venturing into marketing. Support mechanisms including incentives and schemes, need to be put in place to motivate wider and more active participation in this sector. There is an ongoing ambiguity related to regulations pertaining to the production, labeling, and commercialization of nutraceuticals, given the absence of legislative measures locally. It is, therefore, imperative to advocate for clear regulations and standards for the local nutraceutical industry and this should apply to products derived from both terrestrial and marine sources.

It is noteworthy that for nutraceuticals derived from terrestrial and marine sources, access to resources and market are key factors impacting on the development process of the product. The Nagoya protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS) “provides a transparent legal framework for the effective implementation of one of the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, namely, the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources.” The nutraceutical industry is dependent on the development and commercialization of products derived from genetic resources, which may fall under the scope of the Nagoya Protocol. Therefore, the implementation and harmonization of the Nagoya Protocol in different countries and regions should be viewed as a priority. Developing a clear access scheme for non-locals will certainly inject finance and boost advances in the nutraceutical development sector.^[265] Moreover, market guidelines must be integrated within bioactives discovery and product development programs, early on, to assess the economic viability of the prospective products on the market.^[265] Up to date market intelligence to evaluate the trend for nutraceuticals on the global and regional markets to better target the choice of nutraceuticals to be produced locally, should become norm. To secure a higher success rate for locally produced nutraceuticals and products, a close partnership between academics/researchers and the industry/SMEs is highly recommended.^[264] This collaboration brings together the expertise of the academics and the market awareness and business sense of the industry/SMEs, all of which contributes to the success of such products on the market.