Herbs and plants in immunomodulation (Review)

Abstract

The present review article aimed to present a focused summary of the main immunomodulatory properties of some of the most frequently used herbaceous plants either in traditional medicine or as food supplements: andrographis (<em>Andrographis paniculata</em>), astragalus (<em>Astragalus propinquus/membranaceus</em>), black cumin (<em>Nigella sativa</em>), cardamom (<em>Elettaria cardamomum</em>), purple coneflower (<em>Echinacea</em>), ginger (<em>Zingiber officinale</em>), licorice (<em>Glycyrrhiza glabra</em>), shiitake (<em>Lentinula edodes</em>) and turmeric (<em>Curcuma longa</em>). These plants were selected based on their popularity, accessibility as a supplement, their known effects on the immune system, and the amount of scientific research performed on their extracts and active ingredients. The present review also discusses the anti‑inflammatory, antioxidant and anti‑cancer properties of these plants in relation to their immunomodulating mode of action. In this manner, the present review aims to provide a more targeted, manageable and useful data set, that may serve as the basis for diversification, and subsequent and more detailed research on these plants and their compounds.