Natural Products have

proven effective for

improving immunity

(1) Immunomodulator :

An immunomodulator is a substance (e. g. a drug) which has an

effect on the immune system. Having the ability to alter or

regulate one or more immune functions.

An immunomodulatory agent is a drug that may be an

immunosuppressant or an immunostimulant based on its

effect on the immune system.

• Immunostimulant : Immunostimulants, also known as

immunostimulators, are substances (drugs and nutrients) that

stimulate the immune system by inducing activation or

increasing activity of any of its components.

Immunosuppressant:An agent that can suppress or prevent the

immune response.Immunosuppressants are used to prevent

rejection of a transplanted organ and to treat autoimmune

diseases.

(2) Adaptogens:

The term adaptogen is to increase the body's resistance to

stress, trauma, anxiety and fatigue. In the past, they have

been called rejuvenating herbs, tonics, rasayanas, or

restoratives. All adaptogens are antioxidants.

(1) Immunomodulator :

(a) Asparagus

Drug name: Asparagus

Biological source: Asparagus racemosus

Other names: Satavar,

Shatavari, or Shatamull

Family: Asparagaceae

Parts Used: Roots.

Constituents:

• Steroidal saponins known as shatavarins I-IV.

• Isoflavones

• Asparagamine, a polycyclic alkaloid

• Racemosol, a cyclic hydrocarbon

• Polysaccharides, mucilage is present in the roots

Indications and Uses:

• Immunostimulants: Oral administration of decoction of

powdered root of A. racemosus has been reported to produce

leucocytosis and predominant neutrophilia along with

enhanced phagocytic activity

• Aphrodisiac:

• Galactagogue: The root extract of A. racemosus is prescribed in ayurveda to increase milk secretion during lactation.

• Male/Female infertility: Enhances ovulation, prepares the womb for conception, prevents miscarriages, normalizing the uterus and the changing hormones. Its use is also advocated in leucorrhoea and menorrhagia.

• Menopause : A. racemosus being known source of phytoestrogens can be effective in reducing adverse menopausal symptoms

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

Symptoms of allergy, including rhinitis, occupational asthma,

oral allergic syndrome, allergic contact dermatitis, and

anaphylaxis, are well documented. Exacerbation of gout with

excessive consumption has been reported.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Generally recognized as safe when used as food. Avoid dosages

above those found in food because safety and efficacy are

unknown.

Asparagus Interactions

None well documented.

Dose : A maximum of 2,400 mg daily dried asparagus root

in divided doses has been evaluated for pharmacological

effect;

(b) Picrorhiza kurroa

Drug name: Picrorhiza

Biological source: Picrorhiza kurroa

Other names: Kutka,Katuka, Kuru & Kadu

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Parts Used: Roots.

Constituents: The major bioactive constituents of Picrorhiza

are a group of steroidal saponins and glycosides. • Picroside 1, 11

• Kutakosid

• Picorhizin

• Kitkin

• D-menital

• Benelic acidKutkisterol

Mechanisms of Action:

• Picrorhiza's antioxidant effect has been shown to be similar to that of superoxide dismutase, metal-ion chelators, and xanthine oxidase inhibitors. In rats ,Picrorhiza restored depleted glutathione levels, thereby enhancing detoxification and antioxidation, and helping maintain a normal oxidation-reduction balance.

• Indications and Uses:

• Plant is a potent immunostimulant of both cell mediated and humoral immunity and exhibits choleretic activity.

• Protects the liver against hepatotoxins, hepatoprotective properties,

• Potent antioxidant , Modulates liver enzyme levels,

• Anti-allergy action.

• Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• Picrorhiza seems safe for most people, when taken short-term. It can cause vomiting, rash, anorexia, diarrhea, and itching.

(c) Echinacea

• Drug name: Echinacea

• Biological source: Echinacea purpurea

• Other names: Eastern purple coneflower or Purple coneflower

• Family: Asteraceae

• Parts Used: Underground part

• Constituents:

• Arabinogalactan

• Fucogalactoxyloglucans

• Echinacoside

• Echinacin

• Polyacetylene

• Tussilagine

• Isotussilagine

Mechanism of action:

The polysaccharides are found to stimulate macrophages, by

which signal molecules namely IL-6 (interferon), IL-1 and

TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor) are produced. This triggers the immune system causing migration of neutrophils from bone

marrow to blood stream.Stimulated macrophages also causes

phagocytosis.

• (Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IL6

gene).

Indications and Uses:

Echinacea is used as immunostimulant, mainly for prevention

or in treatment for viral infections causing cold and flu. It also

acts as antiseptic and peripheral vasodilator.

Side Effects:

Echinacea usually does not cause side effects when taken orally. In rare cases, some people experience allergic reactions, including rashes, increased asthma, and anaphylaxis. In clinical trials, gastrointestinal side effects were most common.

Precautions

Because of Echinacea's effects on the immune system, you should not take this drug if you have multiple sclerosis, AIDS, tuberculosis, leukemia, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

(2) Adaptogens: (a) Withania somnifera

Drug name : Withania

Biological source: Withania somnifera

Other names: Ashwagandha, Winter cherry, Ajagandha, Samm Al Ferakh

Family: Solanaceae

Parts Used: roots.

Constituents: The main constituents of ashwagandha are alkaloids and steroidal lactones.

withanine

somniferine,

somnine

somniferinine

withananine

pseudo-withanine

tropine

withanolides.

Indications and Uses

Withania is considered an adaptogen which works to normalize physiological function, strengthening the body and for helping to prevent disease.

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

No serious side effects are known. Withania somnifera stimulates the thyroid leading to thyrotoxicosis in some humans.Tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you have any unusual side effects while using this product.

Precautions

Ashwagandha is not recommended for use during pregnancy.Consult your doctor before using this product. Because of potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended.Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

(b) Ocimum

• Drug name: Ocimum

• Biological source: Ocimum sanctam

• Other names: Tulsi ,Holy Basil. Sacred Basil

• Family: Lamiaceae

• Parts Used: Leaves

• Constituents:

• Main constituents of basil are tannins, alkaloids and

volatile oil.

• Basil is a good source of beta carotene, calcium, vitamin

C

• Oil mainly consists of eugenol, ursolic acid, rosmarinic

acid, thymol, linalool, methyl chavicol, citral and beta-

caryophyllene.

Mechanism of action:

Tannins: 1. It efficiently scavanges reactive oxygen species and free radicals. 2. It inhibits lipid peroxidation by acting as a chain breaking antioxidant. 3. It inhibits liver microsomal monooxygenase activities. 4. It significantly prevents the rise in serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT) activity and liver necrosis.

Urosolic Acid: 1. It provides significant protection of the mast cell membrane. 2. It prevents cell degranulation and decreases the quantity of histamine released. 3. It increases the white blood cell (WBC) count, enhances bone marrow cellularity and alpha-estrase positive cells. 4. It exhibits both cytotoxic and cytostatic activity.

Indications and Uses:

Tulsi is considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress. Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity.

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

Anti-fertility effects, including abortifacient and anti-spermatogenic effects, have been described in rats, but only following the inclusion of O. sanctum leaf in the diet at high levels . The doses producing these effects were in the order of 1 g per kg bodyweight or more daily, equivalent to a daily dose of 50 g or more in humans.

Precautions

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Do not use the essential oil internally or externally during pregnancy. Do not use medicinal plants during pregnancy or while breastfeeding or give to young children or infants. Normal cooking amounts are not harmful.

Interactions

No information. Theoretical interactions would be possible hypoglycemia when taken by diabetics treated with insulin or insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas (glyburide, glipizide, Amaryl), Prandin or Starlix.

(c) Ginseng

• Drug name: Ginseng

• Biological source: Panax ginseng

• Other names: Ninjin,Panax,Pannag, Ginnsuu

• Family: Araliaceae

• Parts Used: Roots

• Constituents:

• Ginseng contains a mixture of several saponin

glycosides,belonge to triterpenoid group.They are grouped as

follows:

• Ginsenosides

• Panaxosides

• Chikusetsusaponin.

Mechanism of action: • Extracts of Panax ginseng affect the hypothalamus-

pituitary-adrenal axis and the immune system, which could account for many of the documented effects. Animal models and in vitro studies indicate that Panax ginseng enhances phagocytosis, natural killer cell activity, and the production of interferon; improves physical and mental performance.

• Indications and Uses:

• Panax ginsengs, which are the adaptogenic herbs,

• Panax ginseng is used primarily to improve psychologic function, exercise performance, immune function,increases natural resistance and enhances the power to overcome the illness or exhaustion.

• Side effects:

• most common side-effects is the inability to sleep.

• nausea, diarrhea, headaches, epistaxis

• high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and mastalgia