Natural vs. Synthetic Immunomodulators

Immunomodulators are key components in deciding immunity status and development in an individual. The topic has been under more emphasis, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic phase. Several plants with medicinal potentials are appreciated in traditional medicines for their healing perspective and have been technically examined for their immunomodulation potential. A number of plant-based bioactive compounds have been extracted and purified with such bioactivities that can rationalise their usage in conventional medication in the past and can stimulate further research in the future as well. Synthetic immunomodulators are significant for generating remedial or prophylactic formulations with defined chemical ingredients from regulatory perspectives. The review highlights the key immunomodulators, both synthetic and natural, until 2020. It also emphasises on market potential and commercial aspects of these. We have explained and listed several plants and their active scaffolds having immunomodulation activities along with synthetic compounds with similar bioactivity. We envisage the review to be an organised compilation and comparison of natural and synthetic immunomodulators and also focus on new chemical immunomodulator scaffolds.

Keywords: Adjuvant, Antibody-Mediated Immunity, Cell-Mediated Immunity, COVID-19, Humoral, Immunity, Immunology, Immunomodulators, Innate Immunity, Immuno-Stimulants, Plant Extracts, Synthetic Immunomodulator, Traditional Medicine.