Immunomodulation refers to the mechanism by which the response of the
immune system is modified by the regulation of antibody synthesis, leading to either an
increase or a decrease in its levels in the circulation and body organs. Owing to their
immunomodulation and remedial benefits, a broad range of herbal remedies have been
shown to be effective in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple
sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
The ancient Indian system of Ayurveda and different other alternative therapeutic
methods have acknowledged the potential benefits of herbal-based remedies to
upregulate or suppress the immune response in the human body. The conventional
pharmacotherapies used for the management of autoimmune ailments are documented
to cause serious drug-induced adverse reactions (ADRs). Whereas, some
phytotherapies have proven safe, reliable, and efficient alternatives for the existing
drug regimens with lesser ADRs. For instance, Withania somnifera, Andrographis
paniculate, Tinospora cordifolia, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Berberis arista are a few
herbs whose bioactive phytoconstituents have been reported to possess powerful
immunomodulation properties. Based on their purported immunomodulatory
mechanisms, they can be used for the management of autoimmune conditions. The
focus of this review is to highlight the key inflammatory biomarkers such as TNF-α
and interleukin 1, 6 involved in the distortion of the immune system in humans. Also,
we will discuss the usefulness of animal models for understanding the underlying
mechanisms of autoimmune disorders. In addition, we will describe the patents of
phytomedicine formulations filed by different manufacturers for the management of
autoimmune disorders, as well as futuristic opportunities that should be explored for
discovering the therapeutic functions of alternate remedies for treating autoimmune
diseases.
Keywords: Andrographis paniculate, Autoimmune disorders, Animal models of autoimmune diseases, Berberis arista, Formulation patents, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Immunomodulators, Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera.
