Title:From Scraps to Solutions: Harnessing the Potential of Vegetable and Fruit
Waste in Pharmaceutical Formulations
Volume: 1
Author(s): Vishnu Mittal and Anjali Sharma*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Guru Gobind Singh College of Pharmacy, Yamunanagar, 135001, Haryana, India
Keywords:
Fruits, vegetables, waste management, bioactive compounds, pharmaceutical formulations, landfills.
Abstract:
Background: Food waste is a major worldwide problem due to the increasing population
and imbalances in supply chains. Waste from fruits and vegetables are a substantial proportion of
the overall food waste generated, accounting for approximately 42% of the waste produced. Methane,
a strong greenhouse gas with a significant potential for global warming, is produced when
these waste products are typically dumped in landfills.
Objectives: The study's goal is to present a thorough overview of the most recent findings and developments
in the use of vegetable and fruit waste for creating therapeutic formulations. Recognizing
the opportunities and challenges in this developing area of study, as well as the promise that
vegetable and fruit waste contains for the creation of environmentally friendly and economically
advantageous pharmaceutical formulations.
Methods: A comprehensive review of existing literature on the utilization of vegetable and fruit
waste in pharmaceutical formulations was conducted. The review included studies on the chemical
composition and bioactive compounds present in various types of vegetable and fruit waste, their
extraction methods, and their potential applications in pharmaceutical formulations. Additionally,
current waste management practices and challenges associated with waste disposal were also analyzed.
Conclusion: The review highlights the significant potential of vegetable and fruit waste in the development
of pharmaceutical formulations. Fruit and vegetable waste offer a wide range of bioactive
compounds, such as antioxidants, antimicrobials, and antiinflammatory agents, which could be
utilized in drug formulation. Moreover, this approach can promote environmental sustainability by
reducing waste generation and enhancing waste utilization. Further research and development efforts
should focus on optimizing extraction methods, evaluating the efficacy and safety of wastederived
compounds, and addressing regulatory requirements for integrating vegetable and fruit
waste into pharmaceutical products. Harnessing the potential of vegetable and fruit waste in pharmaceutical
formulations can lead to sustainable advancements in the pharmaceutical industry while
addressing environmental concerns.
