抄録
The World Health Organization has estimated that a great many people in the world rely on herbs or vitamins as supplements for their primary health care needs. In Europe, USA and Asia there has been a tremendous renaissance in the use and appreciation of herbal medicines. Expansion of market size in Japan started in 1986 and the Ministry of Education of Japan initiated a national project focusing on “biologic influence on the human body” as a so-called third function of food which will play a crucial role in the 21 century. This project coined the term “Functional Food”, words which are now commonly used throughout the world. Subsequently, national projects and private companies have conducted a series of studies of conventional food materials and effects as functional foods have thereby been scientifically proven. New materials backed by scientific evidence are continuously being introduced onto the market. Consequently, the opportunity to create a new market has been nurtured and suppliers have responded to people seriously thinking about health maintenance and prevention of disorders. Now, we are in a position to explain the mechanisms of many diseases caused by genetic or environmental factors that act singly or in combination based on developments in existing knowledge and techniques. The market for dietary supplements and functional foods based on scientific challenge will occupy a powerful and promising position between the food and drug markets.
