Immunomodulating Botanicals: An Overview of the Bioactive Phytochemicals for the Management of Autoimmune Disorders

Immunomodulation refers to the mechanism by which the response of the immune system is modified by the regulation of antibody synthesis, leading to either an increase or a decrease in its levels in the circulation and body organs. Owing to their immunomodulation and remedial benefits, a broad range of herbal remedies have been shown to be effective in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. The ancient Indian system of Ayurveda and different other alternative therapeutic methods have acknowledged the potential benefits of herbal-based remedies to upregulate or suppress the immune response in the human body. The conventional pharmacotherapies used for the management of autoimmune ailments are documented to cause serious drug-induced adverse reactions (ADRs). Whereas, some phytotherapies have proven safe, reliable, and efficient alternatives for the existing drug regimens with lesser ADRs. For instance, Withania somnifera, Andrographis paniculate, Tinospora cordifolia, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Berberis arista are a few herbs whose bioactive phytoconstituents have been reported to possess powerful immunomodulation properties. Based on their purported immunomodulatory mechanisms, they can be used for the management of autoimmune conditions. The focus of this review is to highlight the key inflammatory biomarkers such as TNF-α and interleukin 1, 6 involved in the distortion of the immune system in humans. Also, we will discuss the usefulness of animal models for understanding the underlying mechanisms of autoimmune disorders. In addition, we will describe the patents of phytomedicine formulations filed by different manufacturers for the management of autoimmune disorders, as well as futuristic opportunities that should be explored for discovering the therapeutic functions of alternate remedies for treating autoimmune diseases.

Keywords: Andrographis paniculate, Autoimmune disorders, Animal models of autoimmune diseases, Berberis arista, Formulation patents, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Immunomodulators, Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera.