Immunomodulatory herbs of Unani medicine: A review

Abstract

Immune system is a defence system within the body to protect the host from invading pathogens. The immune system dysfunction is responsible for various diseases like allergy, asthma, arthritis, cancer and other infectious diseases. Age-related changes of the immune system contribute to the increased susceptibility of elderly persons to infectious diseases, vaccine failure, and possibly autoimmunity and cancer. Immunomodulator agents increase the immune responsiveness of the body against pathogens by activating the both specific and non-specific immune system. In Unaniliterature a large number of herbs are mentioned to promote the physical and mental health, and have been claimed to possess immunomodulatory activity. Medicinal plants are used as immunomodulator to provide alternative potential to conventional chemotherapy for a variety of diseases. An attempt was made to put various plants in one place which are used as immunomodulator agents.