Title:Herbal Phytochemicals as Immunomodulators
Volume: 10
Issue: 2
Author(s): Diana R. Cundell
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Adaptogen, herbal medicine, innate immune system, phytochemical, structure-activity relationship.
Abstract: Herbal medicines are a mainstay in most Asian countries and have been used successfully for thousands of
years to modulate immune system function. At least thirty herbs and plants fall into this category, with many having been
developed for usage as “classic” pharmaceutical agents. This paper will review the discovery (if known), usage and
scientific evidence for the biological and chemical activity behind the botanical products commonly used to boost or
inhibit immune system function. Issues with production purity, shelf life and effectiveness of each herbal and plant moiety
will also be discussed.