Immunomodulatory Agents from Plants

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The human immune system, while sophisticated, is less adaptable than bacteria and viruses. It faces increasing challenges from immunosuppressive environmental factors, unhealthy lifestyles, and chronic diseases, with excessive chemotherapy further compromising its function. This scenario necessitates the development of compensatory prophylactic therapies. One such approach, specific immunostimulation, poses greater challenges than the immunosuppression commonly employed in transplantation and autoimmune disease treatments. Early attempts to create effective immunostimulants drew from traditional remedies, reflecting centuries of accumulated knowledge. Currently, medicinal plants are utilized prophylactically as standardized preparations for recurrent infections and in conjunction with chemotherapeutics in medical practice. To effectively harness plant-based immunostimulants, it is crucial to identify their active components and produce them in pure form. Recent advancements in screening methods have only begun to facilitate research in this area. Future progress will rely on systematic basic research into the mechanisms of immunomodulation and the verification of clinical efficacy, which is essential for the acceptance of medications claiming immunostimulatory effects.