Immunomodulation by herbal drugs.
Madani A., Jain S. K.
Author Affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, Hamdard University, New Delhi, India.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences India. Section B, Biological Sciences 75 : 221-233
Abstract : Immunomodulation is an event which can alter the immune system of an organism by interfering with its regulatory mechanisms. If the administration of a drug results in the enhancement of immune response, it is immunostimulatory, which primarily implies non-specific stimulation of various components of immune system, i.e. granulocytes, macrophages, complements, certain T-lymphocytes and different effector substances. Immunosuppression implies reduction in body resistance against infections, stress, and many environmental or chemotherapeutic factors. Medicinal plants and herbal drugs are important elements of indigenous systems of medicine practiced in India and elsewhere. These possess an array of biological properties that include antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antipyretic and antiinflammatory properties. The stimulation of immune system by a drug results in increased resistance of body to diseases, and helps in the prevention and treatment of various ailments. This is one of the principles of Ayurveda, Unani and other indigenous systems of medicine. A number of medicinal plants and various Rasayanas have been claimed to possess immunomodulatory activity. A number of plants which show immunomodulation, such as Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, Picrorhiza kurroa, Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Mangifera indica, Emblica officinalis [Phyllanthus emblica], Evolvulus alsinoides, Terminalia sp., Ocimum sanctum [Ocimum tenuiflorum], Paeonia suffruticosa, Cassia occidentalis, Calendula officinalis and melissa officinalis, have been evaluated.