 2: 408427(2011) ewsletter Sharma   408 PHYTOCHEMICALS OF UTRACEUTICAL IMPORTACE: THEIR ROLE I HEALTH AD DISEASES Girish Sharma 1 *, Ashwani K. Srivastava 1 and Dhan Prakash 2 1 Amity Institute of Biotechnology, 2 Amity Institute of Herbal Research & Studies, Amity University!Uttar Pradesh , Sector! 125, NOIDA – 201303, INDIA. ( * Corresponding author Email: sharmagi03@gmail.com) Summary Phytochemicals of nutraceuticals importance are bioactive constituents that sustain or promote health and occurs at the intersection of food and pharmaceutical industries. Such substances may range from isolated nutrients, dietary supplements and specific diets to genetically engineered designer foods, herbal products, processed foods and beverages. Phytochemicals are broadly described as polyphenols, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, anthocyanidins, phytoestrogens, terpenoids, carotenoids, limonoids, phytosterols, glucosinolates and fibers. They have tremendous impact on the health care system and may provide medical health benefits including the prevention and/ or treatment of diseases and physiological disorders. Majority of foods, such as whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables and herbs contain phytochemicals. Amongst these, fruits and vegetables contribute to the significant sources of phytochemicals. These phytochemicals, either alone and/or in combination, have tremendous therapeutic potential in curing various ailments. The respective health benefits are based on science and ethics, for health claims, for functional foods, and presence of certain phytochemicals. They play certain pharmacological effects in human health as antioxidants, antibacterial, antifungal, anti!inflammatory, anti! allergic, antispasmodic, chemopreventive, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, neuroprotective, hypotensive, prevent aging, diabetes, osteoporosis, DNA damage, cancer and heart diseases, induce apoptosis, diuretic, CNS stimulant, analgesic, protects from UVB! induced carcinogenesis, prevent, immuno!modulator and carminative. Key words: Phytochemicals, nutraceuticals, antioxidants, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.