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385076

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Some Medicinal Plants in Modulating the Immune Function

Article

Last updated: 03 Jan 2025

Subjects

-

Tags

Immunology

Abstract

The immune system is essential in protecting the human body against harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Deficiencies in immune defenses can open the door not only to infections but also to the development of tumors. This article provides a concise overview of the key immune-modulating properties of several commonly used herbs and their active ingredients, including purple coneflower (Echinacea), black cumin (Nigella sativa), turmeric (Curcuma longa), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum). These plants were chosen for their popularity, ease of access as supplements, known immune-boosting effects, and extensive scientific investigations on their active ingredients and extracts. Various natural herbs and spices have demonstrated significant immunomodulatory properties. This immune-enhancing impact is ascribed to the presence of bioactive phytoconstituents in these remedies, including polyphenols, terpenoids, β-glucans, and vitamins. Bioactive compounds found in natural ingredients directly improve the cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, thereby strengthening the immune response. Additionally, many phytoconstituents possess powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, protecting cells from damage and promoting overall immune function. In conclusion, this review explores widely recognized herbs with immune-boosting properties. The findings are promising, indicating that these herbs could be beneficial as preventative measures in natural medicine.

DOI

10.21608/ejpa.2024.285097.1068

Keywords

black cumin, Cinnamon, Echinacea, Ginger, immunomodulatory

Authors

First Name

Haneen

Last Name

Mouminah

MiddleName

-

Affiliation

Food and Nutrition Department, Faculty of Human Sciences and Design, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Email

hhsmouminah@gmail.com

City

-

Orcid

-

Volume

22

Article Issue

2

Related Issue

50888

Issue Date

2024-10-01

Receive Date

2024-04-25

Publish Date

2024-10-01

Page Start

50

Page End

66

Print ISSN

1687-1642

Online ISSN

2314-8934

Link

https://ejpai.journals.ekb.eg/article_385076.html

Detail API

https://ejpai.journals.ekb.eg/service?article_code=385076

Order

385,076

Type

Review

Type Code

645

Publication Type

Journal

Publication Title

The Egyptian Journal of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

Publication Link

https://ejpai.journals.ekb.eg/

MainTitle

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Some Medicinal Plants in Modulating the Immune Function

Details

Type

Article

Created At

24 Dec 2024