Medicinal Herbs as Immunomodulators for Infectious Diseases Treatment: History
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Contributor:
Hamad H. Alanazi
,
Abdelbaset Mohamed Elasbali
,
Maged K. Alanazi
,
Eman Fawzy El Azab

The use of herbal medicines as remedies is very ancient and has been employed for centuries. Many studies have confirmed the antimicrobial activities of herbs against various pathogens in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic effect of medicinal herbs is mainly attributed to the natural bioactive molecules present in these plants such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. 

  • immunomodulators
  • immune response
  • infectious diseases

1. Introduction

The immune system is the main barrier against harmful invaders like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It comprises many organs, tissues, proteins, and cells including bone marrow, thymus, spleen, complement proteins, and leukocytes. Each of these components has a specific role in forming immunity against foreign invaders. The bone marrow is where almost all blood cells originate (e.g., dendritic cells, B-cells), and the thymus is the place for the maturation of T-cells. The immune system has two parts: innate and adaptive. The innate immune system is the first line of defense against foreign invaders. It consists of physical, biological, and chemical barriers that ensure the elimination of pathogens. Innate immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells (NK) can recognize and respond to foreign pathogens through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) found in the endosome or on the cell membrane [1]. The recognition of microbial particles by PRRs leads to their activation and thus the release of cytokines and chemokines which promote inflammation and recruit other immune cells (such as neutrophils) to the site of the infection [1]. Moreover, innate immune cells can phagocytose and eliminate pathogens directly. For instance, many neutrophils phagocytose bacteria during bacterial infections and destroy them through enzymatic activities by forming reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide radicals, and hydrogen peroxide [2]. When the innate immune system fails to clear the pathogen, the adaptive immune system steps in to stop the infection. At this stage, the innate immune system regulates adaptive immune responses by presenting antigens to T-cells through dendritic cells and macrophages and producing cytokines that enhance T- and B-cell differentiation and proliferation [3].
In the case of intracellular infections caused by viruses or bacteria, natural killer cells and phagocytes such as macrophages destroy infected cells and engulf the pathogen, respectively. Infected cells then produce cytokines such as interferons which interfere with pathogen replication inside the host cells and recruit other immune cells to the site of infection [4]. Importantly, when natural killer cells and phagocytes fail to seize the intracellular infections, these cells present small fragments of the foreign antigen on the cell surface through a molecule called major histocompatibility complex-I (MHC-I). This way, the adaptive immune cells (i.e., CD8 or cytotoxic T-cells) are now alerted to an intracellular invader. Once cytotoxic T-cells are fully activated, they kill the infected cells with cytotoxic proteins called granzymes and perforins [5].
During extracellular infections by agents like bacteria or parasites, complement proteins and phagocytes including neutrophils destroy the pathogen [1]. However, when innate immunity fails, antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells phagocytose the pathogen and migrate to secondary lymphoid organs such as the lymph nodes. There, they present antigenic peptides through MHC-II to T-helper cells which aid B-cells in the production of antibodies [6]. Antibodies are highly efficient in combating extracellular agents through neutralization, blocking, and facilitating the process of phagocytosis [7].

2. Important Medicinal Herbs

2.1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a medicinal herb that has been used for ages to treat various medical conditions like anxiety, stress, diabetes, epilepsy, arthritis, and many inflammatory diseases [8][9]. W. somnifera’s bioactive components such as alkaloids and withanolides induce several immunomodulatory effects that enhance the immune system. It increases the proliferation and activity of T-cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages [10]. W. somnifera also induces anti-inflammatory effects and reduces pro-inflammatory effects through modulating cytokines such as IL-4 [10]. Studies testing the immunomodulatory role of W. somnifera in vivo resulted in very promising therapeutic effects. In a study using APP/PS1 transgenic mice as a model for Alzheimer’s disease, oral administration of W. somnifera semi-purified extract for 30 days reversed the phenotypes of Alzheimer’s disease such as behavioral impairments, plaque development, and the buildup of beta-amyloid peptides (Aβ) and oligomers in the brains of middle-aged and elderly APP/PS1 transgenic mice [11]. In cancer studies, W. somnifera was shown to be a highly effective treatment in vitro and in vivo. The study suggested that W. somnifera induces its antitumor activities by generating ROS and inducing apoptosis in new cancer cells while tolerating normal cells [12]. Moreover, W. somnifera was shown to promote chemotherapy through the enhancement of mitochondrial dysfunction in cancerous cells only [13]. W. somnifera was also tested for its therapeutic value in metabolic diseases like diabetes. It was shown that W. somnifera can restore urine sugar, blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in rat diabetic models (alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) rats) [14].

2.2. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of diseases. A. membranaceous has many anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunoregulatory effects [15]. The main components of A. membranaceous are polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins. Additionally, astragalus has been used for its antitumor activities as in vivo studies demonstrated elevated levels of natural killer (NK) cells and NK-derived interferon-γ (IFN-γ) after the administration of astragalus [16]. The A. membranaceous component polysaccharide increases T-helper (Th1) cell numbers [17]. It seems that astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is the main active component in A. membranaceous. Many studies investigated the role of APS in several chronic diseases. It was shown that APS has a protective role in diseases like diabetes, renal injuries, and myocardial dysfunction [18][19][20].

2.3. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Echinacea purpurea (E. purpurea) is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries to treat a number of diseases like cold and flu. E. purpurea has multiple therapeutic properties including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. The beneficial effects of E. purpurea are attributed to its main bioactive components including alkamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and polysaccharides [21]. Both cellular and humoral immunity were enhanced by E. purpurea [22]. Studies also showed that T- and B-lymphocytes as well as NK cell proliferation and activity were increased following E. purpurea extract treatment [23]. In vivo experiments have suggested that E. purpurea extract has several immunomodulatory effects [23]. The oral administration of E. purpurea extract in a mouse model was shown to elevate MHC II and increase several immune components such as CD4+ T-cells, Th1 cytokines, and immunoglobulin levels [23]. In addition to the role of E. purpurea in immunomodulation, it was shown that E. purpurea extract can reduce inflammation markers in vitro and in vivo through signaling pathways involving ERK1/2, p38, STAT3, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) [24][25].

2.4. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a very common natural product used for culinary and healing purposes. A. sativum has been shown to treat bacterial, fungal, and viral infections [26]. Many of the therapeutic effects of A. sativum are attributed to a substance called “Allicin” which is the major natural sulfur compound released when garlic is crushed [26]. A. sativum has been used as a therapeutic in a number of chronic medical conditions. In cardiovascular diseases, it reduces cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, and it has been shown to have many immunomodulatory effects [27]. As an immunomodulator, A. sativum was shown to inhibit inflammation by suppressing IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α, and NF-κB activity [28]. A. sativum was shown to have antiviral activity; for instance, A. sativum defends against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by inhibiting virus adhesion to host cells [29]. It also possesses antiviral activities against other viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and -2, and others [29].
Allium sativum has been shown to have a huge impact on diabetic patients by improving insulin sensitivity and regulating blood glucose [30]. It has robust inhibitory activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria [31]. As a result of using antibiotics, many bacterial strains develop resistance to different antibiotics, such as the case of certain resistant strains of Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli, which cannot be killed by penicillin but are sensitive to garlic [32]. These data support the presence of the immunomodulatory effects of garlic on infections. In addition to the role of A. sativum in microbial diseases, some studies also showed that its therapeutic effects extend to different types of cancer. It was shown that A. sativum seizes the proliferation of cancer cells and stops the metastasis of the tumors by promoting the apoptosis of cancer cells [33].

2.5. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used to treat diseases or alleviate inflammation for many years. The main bioactive components in Z. officinale are gingerols and shogaols, which promote anti-inflammatory and antioxidant immunomodulatory effects [34]. Z. officinale reduces the symptoms of inflammation and certain diseases through a number of immunomodulatory effects such as negatively modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 [35][36]. Z. officinale also has antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help treat various microbial infections [37].
Zingiber officinale has been used in the treatment of various medical conditions like osteoarthritis, as well as joint and muscle discomfort, and neurological conditions [38]. It has also been used as a treatment for toothaches, asthma, diabetes, and constipation [38]. In diabetic patients, the oral administration of Z. officinale modulates various biological markers such as fasting blood sugar levels, hemoglobin A1c levels, apolipoprotein B, and apolipoprotein A-I [39]. In cancer studies, it was shown that Z. officinale stimulates apoptosis in multiple cancer types including ovarian, colon, breast, cervical, and prostate cancer [40].

2.6. Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a very common herb used for the treatment of numerous diseases such as high blood pressure, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and hepatitis C [41][42]. P. ginseng has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties [43]. Similar to Z. officinale, P. ginseng promotes several immunomodulatory effects through immune system components. It was shown to enhance the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10) and suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-1, and IL-6 [44][45]. P. ginseng was also shown to enhance the proliferation and activation of lymphocytes including T-cells, B-cells, and NK cells, and the production of different subsets of immunoglobulins [46][47].

2.7. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been used as a traditional medicine to treat a wide range of diseases, including respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, skin conditions, and inflammatory diseases [48][49][50]. The main bioactive compounds in G. glabra are flavonoids, triterpenoids, and saponins which are believed to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects of G. glabra [51][52]. G. glabra was shown to have anti-inflammatory features. It suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) [51]. G. glabra was also shown to enhance the immune system against viral infections [53]. It increases T-cell activation and promotes T-regulatory cells (Treg). NK cell activity was enhanced by G. glabra, which plays a vital role in defense against viruses and cancerous cells [54][55].

2.8. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is also a traditional herb that has been used for ages to treat several diseases due to its role as an immunomodulator [56][57]. As in many herbs, the active components responsible for the immune responses in G. frondosa are saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides [58]. A. racemosus has been shown to enhance the activity of various immune cells like macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer (NK) cells, thus contributing to defense against bacterial and viral infections [59]. A. racemosus was shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1β, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nitric oxide, while upregulating Th1 and Th2 cytokines (IL-2 and IL-4), thereby balancing the cytokine-involved immune response [60][61].

2.9. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is very commonly used in India as an herbal plant to treat various medical conditions. It has been shown to alleviate inflammatory responses and boost the immune system in a number of ways. O. sanctum has been shown to increase the levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, and NK and T-cells [62]. It has been suggested that O. sanctum induces both bacterial and viral activities against a number of pathogens [63][64]. The active components responsible for most antimicrobial effects of Tulsi are terpenes, phenolics, phenolic acids, and flavonoids [65].

This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper 10.3390/molecules28248045

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