Arsenic and its effect on immunity: A narrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Human immune system has evolved through eons of struggle between the host and pathogens. Although Arsenic can act as immunostimulant by causing an elevation of inflammatory responses in our body, the immunosuppressive effects of Arsenic include modulation of the numbers, survival and functions of immune and hematopoietic cells and impaired humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Immunomodulation is a kind of regulatory modification in the immune system to bring the desired response. Homoeopathy embraces a holistic approach in curing diverse diseases and it is used globally as an alternative medicine and seeks to cure in harmony with natural laws of healing. The present review focusses on the collection of results of studies carried out on effect of arsenic on immunity. Methodology: In this review literature available from various published studies and databases like PubMed, Springer, Elsevier and AYUSH research portal and references from the relevant articles published literature were searched in English language up to December 2020. Results: 25 studies were included in this review of which 10 in vivo, 9 in vitro, 2 Ex vivo and 4 review articles. Most of the studies substantiate the definitive role of Arsenic on immunomodulation. Conclusion: In future extensive studies are required to further explore the immunomodulatory effects of homoeopathic medicines Arsenicum album and studies based on human‑derived immune cells need more attention.