A Comprehensive Review on Immunoregulatory Effects of Phytochemicals

Curr Drug Discov Technol. 2024 Dec 2. doi: 10.2174/0115701638326442241118053543. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

An efficient immune system in the host body plays a crucial role in the preservation of normal biological and immune reactions and processes, as well as the intrinsic environment. This is because the immune system is responsible for fighting off foreign invaders. A healthy immune system strengthens the body's defense against infections, illnesses, and other unwelcome pathogens, thereby reducing the risk of allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases. Innate immune cells and acquired immune system components interact in a corrective fashion to produce optimal immune responses. In recent years, researchers have begun to focus on the immune system as a potential primary target of toxicity from chemical, pharmacological, and environmental exposure. Sex, age, stress, malnutrition, alcohol, genetic variability, lifestyles, environmental pollutants, and chemotherapy are just a few of the many elements that might modify the host's immunological responses. The production, amplification, attenuation, or suppression of immunological responses are all examples of immunomodulation. There are a wide variety of synthetic and traditional treatments available, and many of them cause major side effects and develop pathogenic resistance very quickly. Natural substances called phytochemicals play a crucial role in regulating the body's immune system. Risk factors for immune response changes are discussed, as is the immunomodulatory action of phytochemicals like glycosides, alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, sterols, and steroids.

Keywords: Immunomodulator; alkaloids.; natural products; phytoconstituents; steroids.