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The current research aimed at assessing the effects of different levels of Thymol on blood, feeding and survival factors in Oncorhinchus mykiss against Yersinia ruckeri. In this order, three experimental treatments including control (fed with commercial food), first treatment (commercial food with 0.5 percent Thymol) and second treatment (commercial food with one percent Thymol) were used with three replications for each treatment within a factorial analysis for completely randomized design. Then, fish were fed for seven weeks using associated diets. The result showed that different levels of Thymol had no significant effect on survival rate of Oncorhinchus mykiss (P>0.05). Regarding blood indices before the challenge, we found that the 0.5 percent Thymol had no significant effect, however, the one percent Thymol treatment showed significant difference (P<0.05) which caused an increase in the amount of hemoglobin and the concentration of intraglobulin hemoglobin. Measuring blood indices after the challenge, however, showed no significant different. The comparison of growth indices among different Thymol treatments showed that the 0.5 percent Thymol had significant effect on final weight, weight gain, special growth rate, protein yield ratio and food conversion factor compared to the control and one percent Thymol treatments. The result from current study showed that Thymol stimulates growth and improves nutritional conditions in fish, especially rainbow trout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascites and pleural effusion are recognized complications of pancreatic cancer. These diseases are accompanied by ascites and pleural effusion, and drug treatment is limited by high costs, long hospital stays, and failure rates. Immunotherapy may offer new option, but in most patients with late stages of cancer, immune cells may lose the ability to recognize tumor cells, how to activate their immune cells is a major problem, sodium glucosidate (SSG) is injected into ascites as a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor to wake up immune cells and prepare for immunotherapy. We used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to investigate whether and how SSG injected into ascites of pancreatic cancer elicits an immune response. Our study showed that the process of SSG fusion treatment of ascites and pleural effusion, the interaction between TandNK cells, MPs cells, monocytes and neutrophils was induced, and large numbers of genes were expressed, resulting in upregulation of immune response, which also approved that SSG is not only used as a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, but also it works as a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor. It can also be used to regulate immune cell function, recruiting immune cells to the right place with the help of PD-1 or PD-L1 to fight cancer cells in ascites and pleural effusions in cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a mathematical model of severe malarial anemia (SMA), which is a complication of malaria and is a major contributor to malaria-related deaths. SMA is characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin levels in the blood due to the suppression of red blood cell (RBC) recruitment by the protein macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Plasmodium falciparum, which is a malaria-causing parasite, secretes a specific form of MIF called plasmodium falciparum macrophage migration inhibitory factor (PFMIF), which affects immune cells. Artesunate, which is the primary treatment for SMA, reduces the parasite level but does not increase hemoglobin levels and can sometimes lead to hemolytic anemia, which requires a blood transfusion. To address this issue, the experimental drug Epoxyazadiradione (Epoxy) was explored as a potential treatment for SMA. Epoxy inhibits both MIF and PFMIF interactions with immune cells and has the potential to increase hemoglobin levels in SMA patients. Our model simulations support previous findings that the appropriate combination of Artesunate with Epoxy can reduce parasite load while preventing anemia by maintaining hemoglobin levels at an adequate level. Additionally, we explored the impact of immune boosters on the anti-malarial drugs Artesunate and Epoxy and discovered that an insufficient amount of drugs is ineffective, while an excessive amount may not be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immune system plays a vital role in controlling liver fibrosis and enhancing the pathogenesis of liver inflammation. Monosodium glutamate is a common flavor-enhancement food additive. This study evaluated the immunomodulatory and hepato-curative effects of the Immuno-Kachiks polyherbal formulation against monosodium glutamate-induced immune suppression and hepatic damage in rats. Monosodium glutamate was given orally at a 2000 mg/kg dose to male Wistar rats for three months to induce liver damage and immune suppression. After three months of successful induction, three groups were separately administered orally with Immuno-Kachiks formula at 400, 800, and 1500 mg/kg/day for 28 days. At the end of the treatment period, liver and blood samples were collected for histological and biochemical analysis. The lymphocyte count remained significantly low while the neutrophil count and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio increased significantly, despite the cessation of monosodium glutamate ingestion for 28 days. The Immuno-Kachiks formula (IKF) significantly increased the lymphocyte count, reduced the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and normalized the neutrophil count. Neither monosodium glutamate nor the IKF significantly caused alpha-fetoprotein levels to rise or fall below normal. High doses (800 and 1500 mg/kg) of the Immuno-Kachiks formula significantly raised serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin. 1500 mg/kg of the IKF caused mild liver inflammation. The IKF restored the liver morphologic alterations observed in monosodium glutamate-induced liver damage in rats. The results suggest that the Immuno-Kachiks herbal formulation is a potential curative agent for early-stage liver damage and could restore suppressed adaptive immunity.

For a person to remain healthy, a powerful immune system is highly recommended. Everybody should include particular food in their diet that can boost their immune system. Nature has been bestowed with the huge treasure of plants and trees whose various portion; each contain unique compounds that can strengthen the immune system. Honey has long been selected as a pure unique product for its therapeutic potential. Due to their strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities, phenolic acids and flavonoids have significant impact on human health. By altering many biochemical processes involved in cellular proliferation, honey exhibits antibacterial capabilities and anticancer actions against diverse tumour types. The decrease in blood levels of glucose, fructosamine, and glycosylated haemoglobin is another antidiabetic benefit that has been noted. Additionally, honey has health-promoting benefits on the respiratory system against asthmatic and bacterial infection, the duodenal system, the blood-vascular system, where it primarily protects the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, and the brain system. This review focusses on the exploitation of polyphenolic compounds present in honey.

Background: and Purposes: The terminology “immune boost-up” was the talk of the topic in this Covid-19 pandemic. A significant number of the people took initiative to increase the body's defense capacity through boosting up immunity worldwide. Considering this, the study was designed to explain the natural products, vitamins and mineral that were proved by clinical trail as immunity enhancer. Methods: Information was retrieved from SciVerse Scopus ® (Elsevier Properties S. A, USA), Web of Science® (Thomson Reuters, USA), and PubMed based on immunity, nutrients, natural products in boosting up immunity, minerals and vitamins in boosting up immunity, and immune booster agents. Result: A well-defined immune cells response provide a-well functioning defense system for the human physiological system. Cells of the immune system must require adequate stimulation so that these cells can prepare themselves competent enough to fight against any unintended onslaught. Several pharmacologically active medicinal plants and plants derived probiotics or micronutrients have played a pivotal role in enhancing the immune boost-up process. Their role has been well established from the previous study. Immune stimulating cells, especially cells of acquired immunity are closely associated with the immune-boosting up process because all the immunological reactions and mechanisms are mediated through these cells. Conclusion: This article highlighted the mechanism of action of different natural products, vitamins and mineral in boosting up the immunity of the human body and strengthening the body's defense system. Therefore, it is recommended that until the specific immune-boosting drugs are available in pharma markets, anyone can consider the mentioned products as dietary supplements to boost up the immunity.

Abstract Our immune system depends on leucocytes or white blood cells which possess the power to produce antibodies to fight various disease‐causing pathogens. People have now realized the crucial role played by the immune system in keeping them healthy. Therefore, recent scenario has witnessed an upsurge in the demand of immunity boosting foods. The use of naturally available fruits as immunomodulators is so ubiquitous and just needs concrete scientific proofs for claiming its efficacy. Many studies have shown that fruits are abundant in bioactive compounds like vitamins (vitamin A, C, E, etc.), minerals, and phytochemicals (like β‐ carotene, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolics, etc.). These components have the potential to enhance our immunity by supporting the proliferation of lymphocytes, scavenging free radical species, reducing oxidative stress, improving anti‐inflammatory as well as immunomodulatory mechanism, and supporting aggregation of platelets. Thus, supplementation of diet with an appropriate amount of fruits daily could support body's natural defense by strengthening our immune response. In this preface, we attempt to summarize the significant role played by various phytochemicals and bioactive compounds of fruits in boosting our immune system.

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The aim of the present study was to develop salmon protein-based shelf stable snacks and to improve their storage quality using Solanum nigrum extract. The products were developed by incorporating different levels of salmon protein powder viz. 20% (T1), 30% (T2), 40% (T3), and 0.0% (control). The snacks containing optimum level of protein powder (30%) were incorporated with S. nigrum extract (1.0%) and stored at room temperature (25 ± 1°C) for 75 days. Incorporation of salmon protein powder significantly increased the protein and fat contents and decreased the carbohydrate content. The snacks containing 30% salmon protein powder showed highest scores for all sensory characteristics. The total phenolic content and DPPH-radical scavenging (% inhibition) of S. nigrum extract was 380 mg GAE/100 g and 79.0, respectively. Addition of S. nigrum extract significantly (P <.05) improved the lipid stability (reduced TBARS and free fatty acids) and microbial quality (total-plate and yeast/moulds), while enhancing the sensory quality of the snacks during storage. Salmon protein powder and S. nigrum can be used for the development of highly nutritive shelf stable snacks with improved lipid oxidative and microbial stability. The immune boosting properties of S. nigrum can be of health importance during this pandemic of SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swiftlet’s clean and edible nest has been consumed for centuries as health food. The benefits of the edible bird nest (EBN) are commonly based on historical and observational reports since its discovery, until some were proven scientifically at recent times. The EBN has a potential to be a prebiotic with the bioavailability of glycan within the EBN. In order to test the prebiotic potential, the EBN glycoprotein and EBN extracted glycan went through a simulated human digestion in vitro test which contained at the level of oral, gastric and small intestine. The undigested components were collected and further tested with simulated in vitro human colon model. The findings showed that the improved growth of beneficial bacteria in the presence of EBN substrates have potentials to provide health benefits. The beneficial group of bacteria may improve and strengthened the host immune system and reducing the risk of pathogenic bacterial infection. These health benefits are crucial especially during the severe health situation such as the pandemic of COVID-19. This study had contributed to the functional properties of the EBN, as a prebiotic for the benefits of consumers and EBN industries. The fundamental of this finding in regards to prebiotic activity can be applied to the area of animal production in the application of prebiotics as value added animal feed ingredients.

ABSTRACT: Licorice is a medicinal and food plant widely used to treat diseases and produce food additives, because of its unique chemical constituents like polysaccharides, flavones, and saponins. Glycyrrhiza Polysaccharides (GPS-1) are water-soluble neutral polysaccharides extracted from licorice. Currently, GPS-1 is administrated to chickens by gavage every d for 14 d to observe the impact of GPS-1 on the Newcastle disease vaccine. To determine the immunity of these chickens to NDV, blood serum levels of hemagglutinin-inhibition (HI) antibody, and immunoglobulins IgA and IgG were measured. Meanwhile, the expression levels of cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-17, and IFN-γ were measured to evaluate the degree of immune booster activity. The chickens’ spleen and peripheral blood lymphocytes displayed a significant increase in the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells after booster treatments with GPS-1. The results indicated that GPS-1 had a significant, dose-dependent, immune-boosting effect which could enhance NDV vaccine immunity in chickens.

Covid-19 is a disease caused by virus named SARC CoV type II of Corona virus family and is announced as Pandemic disease by WHO in the month of March 2020. Virus is spreading at exponential rate and causing more than 1.3 lack death globally today. Covid-19 has been announced as one of the biggest threat to the mankind in last 100 years. Antiviral drugs and the vaccines are under clinical phases, to combat this outbreak, it is essential to maintained good health condition with boosted immune activity. Ashwagandha has been a medicinal plant under Ayurvedic studies for various therapeutic uses since ancient times of India. It has been regarded as the most important plant as every part of the plant can serve as a remedial/curative alternative. Despite the versatility of the plant, scanty research has been done to explore its potential in creating varied healthcare and value-added allied products used as immune system booster in situation similar to Covid 19 outbreak. There is a huge lacuna in literature dedicated to documenting the prospective applications of Ashwagandha healthcare products. This work is an attempt to compile current literature with an eye on the possibility of creating healthcare and value addition products based on this versatile medicinal plant. The paper provides a historical perspective on the evolution of and investigations carried out to explore the applications of Ashwagandha as a medicinal plant. It the wake of a sudden interest in herbal plants, this work will act as a primer for the herbal-based solutions in the areas of cancer treatment, neural disorders, immune boosters especial for Covid 19 cause of viral outbreak, stress-relief, and rejuvenation. It also finds applications as cardio-respiratory endurance enhancer, anti-ageing, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic and as an effective adaptogen. To reach out to a wider audience the paper concludes with open research issues, challenges in using Ashwagandha as a medicinal plant in the current scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune dysfunction, which is responsible for the development of human diseases including cancer, is caused by a variety of factors. Therefore, regulation of the factors influencing the immune response is a potentially effective strategy to counter diseases. Presently, several immune adjuvants are used in clinical practice to enhance the immune response and host defense ability; however, synthetic drugs can exert negative side effects. Thus, the search for natural products of plant origin as new leads for the development of potent and safe immune boosters is gaining considerable research interest. Plant-based functional foods have been shown to exert several immunomodulatory effects in humans; therefore, the application of new agents to enhance immunological and specific host defenses is a promising approach. In this comprehensive review, we have provided an up-to-date report on the use as well as the known and potential mechanisms of bioactive compounds obtained from plant-based functional foods as natural immune boosters. Plant-based bioactive compounds promote immunity through multiple mechanisms, including influencing the immune organs, cellular immunity, humoral immunity, nonspecific immunity, and immune-related signal transduction pathways. Enhancement of the immune response in a natural manner represents an excellent prospect for disease prevention and treatment and is worthy of further research and development using approaches of modern science and technology.

Swarna bindu prashana (SBP) is a metallic medicinal preparation widely used in Ayurveda pediatrics. The main ingredients of SBP are swarna prashan (gold nanoparticle), gou ghrita (cow ghee), madhu (honey), and other medhya dravyas (drugs which enhance intellectual, memory). According to the Indian classical text, SBP has been proposed as a potent medicine for immunotherapies and vaccine development due to its indefinite size, shapes, charges, and surface functionality. In this review, we describe the plausible mechanism of SBP in dendritic cells maturation and subsequent T cell activation. But being herbo-metallic preparation, its safety and efficacy are well supported by the classical publications of Ayurveda. To conclude, SBP is an immune booster for infants against any viral disease, and it is necessary to validate its safety and efficacy through systematic methodological research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immune system plays a vital role in controlling liver fibrosis and enhancing the pathogenesis of liver inflammation. Monosodium glutamate is a common flavor-enhancement food additive. This study evaluated the immunomodulatory and hepato-curative effects of the Immuno-Kachiks polyherbal formulation against monosodium glutamate-induced immune suppression and hepatic damage in rats. Monosodium glutamate was given orally at a 2000 mg/kg dose to male Wistar rats for three months to induce liver damage and immune suppression. After three months of successful induction, three groups were separately administered orally with Immuno-Kachiks formula at 400, 800, and 1500 mg/kg/day for 28 days. At the end of the treatment period, liver and blood samples were collected for histological and biochemical analysis. The lymphocyte count remained significantly low while the neutrophil count and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio increased significantly, despite the cessation of monosodium glutamate ingestion for 28 days. The Immuno-Kachiks formula (IKF) significantly increased the lymphocyte count, reduced the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and normalized the neutrophil count. Neither monosodium glutamate nor the IKF significantly caused alpha-fetoprotein levels to rise or fall below normal. High doses (800 and 1500 mg/kg) of the Immuno-Kachiks formula significantly raised serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin. 1500 mg/kg of the IKF caused mild liver inflammation. The IKF restored the liver morphologic alterations observed in monosodium glutamate-induced liver damage in rats. The results suggest that the Immuno-Kachiks herbal formulation is a potential curative agent for early-stage liver damage and could restore suppressed adaptive immunity., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Ascites and pleural effusion are recognized complications of pancreatic cancer. These diseases are accompanied by ascites and pleural effusion, and drug treatment is limited by high costs, long hospital stays, and failure rates. Immunotherapy may offer new option, but in most patients with late stages of cancer, immune cells may lose the ability to recognize tumor cells, how to activate their immune cells is a major problem, sodium glucosidate (SSG) is injected into ascites as a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor to wake up immune cells and prepare for immunotherapy. We used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to investigate whether and how SSG injected into ascites of pancreatic cancer elicits an immune response. Our study showed that the process of SSG fusion treatment of ascites and pleural effusion, the interaction between TandNK cells, MPs cells, monocytes and neutrophils was induced, and large numbers of genes were expressed, resulting in upregulation of immune response, which also approved that SSG is not only used as a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, but also it works as a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor. It can also be used to regulate immune cell function, recruiting immune cells to the right place with the help of PD-1 or PD-L1 to fight cancer cells in ascites and pleural effusions in cancer patients., Competing Interests: Author BY was employed by the company Immune Oncology Systems, Inc. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Yu, Jing, Gao, Zhang, Zheng and Zhang.)

Plants consistently synthesize and accumulate medically valuable secondary metabolites which can be isolated and clinically tested under in vitro conditions. An advancement with such important phytochemical production has been recognized and utilized as herbal drugs. Bioactive andrographolide (AGL; C20H30O5) isolated from Andrographis paniculate (AP) (Kalmegh) is a diterpenoid lactones having multifunctional medicinal properties including anti-manic, anti-inflammatory, liver, and lung protective. AGL is known for its immunostimulant activity against a variety of microbial infections thereby, regulating classical and alternative macrophage activation, Ag-specific antibody production during immune disorder therapy. In vitro studies with AGL found it to be effective against multiple tumors, neuronal disorders, diabetes, pneumonia, fibrosis, and other diverse therapeutic misadventures. Generally, virus-based diseases like ZIKA, influenza A virus subtype (H1NI), Ebola (EBOV), Dengue (DENV), and coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemics have greatly increased scientific interest and demands to develop more effective and economical immunomodulating drugs with minimal side effects. Trials and in vitro pharmacological studies with AGL and medicinally beneficial herbs might contribute to benefit the human population without using chemical-based synthetic drugs. In this review, we have discussed the possible role of AGL as a promising herbal-chemo remedy during human diseases, viral infections and as an immunity booster.

Dysregulated or weak immunity is caused by ageing, chemo-radiotherapy, COVID-19, infections, steroids, pollutants and toxins. Bioactive foods are required for boosting immunity. In the present study, eight rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties were selected from the repository of 23,250 Indian germplasm accessions. The immunomodulatory effects of these rice varieties were assessed in vitro and in vivo. Layacha-rice-methanolic-extract (Larimex) significantly enhanced innate (>20%) and adaptive (>10%) immune responses evinced from higher bacterial phagocytosis by macrophages, increased mitogen-induced T-cell proliferation (11%) and scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) (70–80%). Larimex activated transcription factor Nrf2 and its downstream genes NQO1, HO1 and Txnrd1 in immune cells. Larimex significantly improved immune responses (>20%) only in cells from wild type but not Nrf2 knock-out mice indicating its causal role in boosting immunity. Untargeted metabolomics of Layacha rice showed preponderance of metabolic pathways and bioactive compounds, which activate Nrf2 in mammalian cells. Layacha rice can be a suitable food for boosting immunity. [Display omitted] • Layacha rice methanolic extract enhanced phagocytic efficiency of macrophages. • Layacha rice extract exhibited antioxidant activity and activated Nrf2 pathway. • Activation of transcription factor Nrf2 underlies immune-boosting activity of Layacha rice. • Layacha rice metabolome showed preponderance of Nrf2 activating phytochemicals. • Layacha brown rice food blend product showed satisfactory acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacology relevancy Phela , is code name for a medicinal product made from four South African traditional medicinal plants (Clerodendrum glabrum E. Mey, Polianthes tuberosa (Linn.), Rotheca myricoides (Hochst.) Steane & Mabb. and Senna occidentalis (L.) Link). All these plants have established traditional use in a wide spectrum of diseases. Phela is under development for use as an immune booster in immunocompromised patients, which includes patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Already several studies, both pre-clinical and clinical, have shown that Phela is a safe and effective immune booster. Despite some studies on the action of Phela , the mechanism of action by Phela is still not known. Understanding the mechanism of action will enable safer and effective use of the drug for the right indications. Unfortunately, there is no well characterized test-system for screening products for immune stimulant activity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to use Phela as the test article, to develop and validate a rat-model (test system) by which to screen medicines for immune stimulant activity. Material and methods First, the batch of Phela used was authenticated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques; analytical methods for the immunosuppressant drugs, cyclosporine A (CsA), cyclophosphamide (CP) and dexamethasone (Dex) were developed and validated; and a slide-A-Lyzer dialysis was used to test for potential interactions in rat plasma of Phela with CsA, CP and Dex. Thereafter, using Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and in separate experiments, the effective dose of Phela in the study animals was determined in a dose ranging study with levamisole, a known immune stimulant as the positive control; the appropriate doses for immunosuppression by CsA, CP and Dex were determined; the time to reach ‘established immunosuppression’ with each drug was determined (it was also the time for intervention with Phela ); and eventually, the effect of Phela on the immune system was tested separately for each drug induced immunosuppression. The immune system was monitored by observing for changes in plasma profiles of IL-2, IL-10, IgG, IgM, CD4 and CD8 cell counts at appropriate intervals, while in addition to function tests, the kidneys, liver, spleen, thymus, were weighed and examined for any pathology. Results The chromatographic fingerprint certified this batch of Phela as similar to the authentic Phela . There was no significant interaction between Phela and CsA, CP and Dex. The effective dose of Phela was determined to be 15.4 mg/kg/day. Phela led to a moderate increase in the immune parameters in the normal rats. Co-administration of Phela 15 mg/kg/day orally for 21 days with CsA led to stoppage and reversal of the immunosppressive effects of CsA that were exhibited as increased IL-2, IL-10, CD4 and CD8 counts, implying that Phela stimulates the cell mediate immunity (CMI). For CP, Phela led to stoppage and reversal, though moderate, of CP-induced suppression of IL-10, IgM and IgG only, implying that Phela stimulates the humoral immunity (HI) too. Phela had no effect on Dex induced immunosuppression. Stimulation of the CMI means that Phela clinical testing programme should focus on diseases or disorders that compromise the CMI, e.g., HIV and TB. The stimulation of the HI immunity means that Phela may stimulate existing memory cells to produce antibodies. Conclusion The present study has revealed Phela 's mechanism of action as mainly by stimulation of the CMI, implying that the use of Phela as immune booster in HIV patients is appropriate; and that using Phela as the test product, a rat model for screening medicinal products for immune stimulation has been successfully developed and validated, with a hope that it will lead to the testing of other related medicinal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: and Purposes: The terminology "immune boost-up" was the talk of the topic in this Covid-19 pandemic. A significant number of the people took initiative to increase the body's defense capacity through boosting up immunity worldwide. Considering this, the study was designed to explain the natural products, vitamins and mineral that were proved by clinical trail as immunity enhancer., Methods: Information was retrieved from SciVerse Scopus ® (Elsevier Properties S. A, USA), Web of Science® (Thomson Reuters, USA), and PubMed based on immunity, nutrients, natural products in boosting up immunity, minerals and vitamins in boosting up immunity, and immune booster agents., Result: A well-defined immune cells response provide a-well functioning defense system for the human physiological system. Cells of the immune system must require adequate stimulation so that these cells can prepare themselves competent enough to fight against any unintended onslaught. Several pharmacologically active medicinal plants and plants derived probiotics or micronutrients have played a pivotal role in enhancing the immune boost-up process. Their role has been well established from the previous study. Immune stimulating cells, especially cells of acquired immunity are closely associated with the immune-boosting up process because all the immunological reactions and mechanisms are mediated through these cells., Conclusion: This article highlighted the mechanism of action of different natural products, vitamins and mineral in boosting up the immunity of the human body and strengthening the body's defense system. Therefore, it is recommended that until the specific immune-boosting drugs are available in pharma markets, anyone can consider the mentioned products as dietary supplements to boost up the immunity., Competing Interests: 9The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

In the United States, as in most of the world, there are large numbers of nutraceuticals that are sold and which people take to boost their immune response. There are, in addition, almost an equal number of products sold to reduce allergies. However, very few consumers, and indeed physicians, are aware of what a structure/function claim is. Structure/function claims are labeling claims that can be used to describe the potential effects of a dietary ingredient or similar substance on the structure or function of the human body. This category of claims was created by legislation contained in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. The intent was to supply consumers with reasonably substantiated information that would allow them to make educated choices about their diet and health. They were not intended to have the same weight and substantiation as the claims made for conventional prescription pharmaceuticals. Rather, they were proposed to fill the gap between consumer desire for over-the-counter supplements and foods, and rigorous and generally more potent and potentially 'toxic' prescription medications. The legally mandated disclaimer, stating that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the structure/function claim, often leads to misinterpretation. While there should be a biologic premise underlying the claim, there is not an absolute requirement for a conventional rigorous placebo-controlled dose response trial. While this may not be the clinical standard that a typical scientific oriented society might desire, it reflects the attempts of the FDA to find common grounds and to allow consumers to use products that are generally considered as safe based on historical use and biologic comparisons. The logic of, indeed need for, structure/function claims is straightforward; however, of equal importance is that nutraceuticals should be properly labeled, have accuracy in their ingredients, be free of contamination, be safe, and have a reasonable body of data that supports their efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey could be considered the most sustainable food produced naturally. It contains sugars, vitamins, minerals and has high anti-oxidant activities. Cancer is on the rise in most countries. Carcinogenesis is a multi-step process and has multi-factorial causes. Among these are low immune status, chronic infection, chronic inflammation, chronic nonhealing ulcers, smoking, obesity etc. Published studies thus far have shown that honey improves immune status, has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties and promotes healing of chronic ulcers and wounds and scavenge toxic free radicals. Recently honey has been shown to have anti-cancer properties in cell cultures and in animal models. The mechanisms suggested include induction of apoptosis, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle arrest. Though sugar is predominant in honey which itself is thought to be carcinogenic, it is understandable that its beneficial effect as anti-cancer agent raises skeptics. With increasing number of people seeking therapy from nature, this area of research has recently gained attention.

Background: With the burden of HIV and AIDS still very high, South Africa has seen an increase in commercial traditional medicines claiming to have immune-enhancing effects. Because of lack of regulation of the traditional medicine sector, these products have proliferated. This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of uMakhonya®, a commercial traditional immune booster, using various models of normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Methods: Immunosuppressed, mitogen-, and peptidoglycan (PG)-stimulated PBMCs were treated with various doses of uMakhonya® and incubated for 24 h. The treated and control samples were analyzed for cytotoxicity, secretion of 12 different inflammatory cytokines, soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels, and nitric oxide (NO) secretion. Results: In cytotoxicity assays, uMakhonya® induced dose-dependent cytotoxic effects in all three models, with IC50 values of 512.08, 500, and 487.91 µg/mL for immunosuppressed, phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-, and PG from Staphylococcus. aureus (PG-S. aureus)-stimulated PBMCs, respectively. UMakhonya® at 100 and 10 µg/mL induced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the secretion of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-α, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in cyclosporine-, immunosuppressed, and PHA-stimulated PBMCs. In the same samples, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in sIL-2R concentration, which correlated with an increase in the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. In PBMCs stimulated with PG-S. aureus, uMakhonya® at doses of 100 and 10 µg/mL significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-1β and TNF-α. PG-S. aureus-stimulated PBMCs also showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in sIL-2R concentration when compared to control samples. UMakhonya® insignificantly (p > 0.05) decreased NO levels in PBMCs after PG-S. aureus stimulation. Conclusions: These results showed that uMakhonya® can induce both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects depending on the initial stimuli applied to immune cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Licorice is a medicinal and food plant widely used to treat diseases and produce food additives, because of its unique chemical constituents like polysaccharides, flavones, and saponins. Glycyrrhiza Polysaccharides (GPS-1) are water-soluble neutral polysaccharides extracted from licorice. Currently, GPS-1 is administrated to chickens by gavage every d for 14 d to observe the impact of GPS-1 on the Newcastle disease vaccine. To determine the immunity of these chickens to NDV, blood serum levels of hemagglutinin-inhibition (HI) antibody, and immunoglobulins IgA and IgG were measured. Meanwhile, the expression levels of cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-17, and IFN-γ were measured to evaluate the degree of immune booster activity. The chickens' spleen and peripheral blood lymphocytes displayed a significant increase in the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells after booster treatments with GPS-1. The results indicated that GPS-1 had a significant, dose-dependent, immune-boosting effect which could enhance NDV vaccine immunity in chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants consistently synthesize and accumulate medically valuable secondary metabolites which can be isolated and clinically tested under in vitro conditions. An advancement with such important phytochemical production has been recognized and utilized as herbal drugs. Bioactive andrographolide (AGL; C20H30O5) isolated from Andrographis paniculate (AP) (Kalmegh) is a diterpenoid lactones having multifunctional medicinal properties including anti-manic, anti-inflammatory, liver, and lung protective. AGL is known for its immunostimulant activity against a variety of microbial infections thereby, regulating classical and alternative macrophage activation, Ag-specific antibody production during immune disorder therapy. In vitro studies with AGL found it to be effective against multiple tumors, neuronal disorders, diabetes, pneumonia, fibrosis, and other diverse therapeutic misadventures. Generally, virus-based diseases like ZIKA, influenza A virus subtype (H1NI), Ebola (EBOV), Dengue (DENV), and coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemics have greatly increased scientific interest and demands to develop more effective and economical immunomodulating drugs with minimal side effects. Trials and in vitro pharmacological studies with AGL and medicinally beneficial herbs might contribute to benefit the human population without using chemical-based synthetic drugs. In this review, we have discussed the possible role of AGL as a promising herbal-chemo remedy during human diseases, viral infections and as an immunity booster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the worldwide spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have led to social regulations that caused substantial changes in manners of daily life. The subsequent loneliness and concerns of the pandemic during social distancing, quarantine, and lockdown are psychosocial stressors that negatively affect the immune system. These effects occur through mechanisms controlled by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis that alter immune regulation, namely the conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA), which promotes inflammation and diminishes antiviral responses, leading to inadequate protection against viral disease. Unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity, sleep disturbances, and mental health consequences of COVID-19 add on to the pathological effects of loneliness, making immunity against this ferocious virus an even tougher fight. Therefore, social isolation, with its unintended consequences, has inherently paradoxical effects on immunity in relation to viral disease. Though this paradox can present a challenge, its acknowledgment can serve as an opportunity to address the associated issues and find ways to mitigate the adverse effects. In this review, we aim to explore, in detail, the pathological effects of the new social norms on immunity and present suggested methods to improve our physical, psychological, and healthcare abilities to fight viral infection in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. • The new social norms in times of COVID-19 have caused a great deal of anxiety and loneliness. • This loneliness, which is a psychosocial stressor, can negatively affect immunity against viral disease through CTRA. • The CTRA causes a heightened inflammatory state and a decreased antiviral immune response. • These negative effects on immunity can be mitigated by moderate physical activity, adequate nutrition and better sleep. • Telemedicine can ease the coping process for people in need of constant health care during lockdown and social distancing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune dysfunction, which is responsible for the development of human diseases including cancer, is caused by a variety of factors. Therefore, regulation of the factors influencing the immune response is a potentially effective strategy to counter diseases. Presently, several immune adjuvants are used in clinical practice to enhance the immune response and host defense ability; however, synthetic drugs can exert negative side effects. Thus, the search for natural products of plant origin as new leads for the development of potent and safe immune boosters is gaining considerable research interest. Plant-based functional foods have been shown to exert several immunomodulatory effects in humans; therefore, the application of new agents to enhance immunological and specific host defenses is a promising approach. In this comprehensive review, we have provided an up-to-date report on the use as well as the known and potential mechanisms of bioactive compounds obtained from plant-based functional foods as natural immune boosters. Plant-based bioactive compounds promote immunity through multiple mechanisms, including influencing the immune organs, cellular immunity, humoral immunity, nonspecific immunity, and immune-related signal transduction pathways. Enhancement of the immune response in a natural manner represents an excellent prospect for disease prevention and treatment and is worthy of further research and development using approaches of modern science and technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is widely employed in the treatment of various proliferative and inflammatory diseases. However, its therapeutic efficacy is imperiled due to its poor solubility and stability. Latter was surmounted by its incorporation into a solid matrix of lipidic nanoparticles (SLNs)., Methods: ATRA loaded SLNs (ATRA-SLNs) were prepared using a novel microemulsification technique (USPTO 9907758) and an optimal composition and were characterized in terms of morphology, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction studies (PXRD). In vitro release, oral plasma pharmacokinetics (in rats) and stability studies were also done., Results: Rod-shaped ATRA-SLNs could successfully incorporate 3.7 mg/mL of ATRA, increasing its solubility (from 4.7 μg/mL) by 787 times, having an average particle size of 131.30 ± 5.0 nm and polydispersibility of 0.283. PXRD, DSC, and FTIR studies confirmed the formation of SLNs. Assay/total drug content and entrapment efficiency of ATRA-SLNs was 92.50 ± 2.10% and 84.60 ± 3.20% (n=6), respectively, which was maintained even on storage for one year under refrigerated conditions as an aqueous dispersion. In vitro release in 0.01 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) with 3% tween 80 was extended 12 times from 2h for free ATRA to 24 h for ATRA-SLNs depicting Korsmeyer Peppas release. Oral administration in rats showed 35.03 times enhanced bioavailability for ATRA-SLNs., Conclusion: Present work reports preparation and evaluation of bioenhanced ATRA-SLNs containing a high concentration of ATRA (>15 times than that reported by others). Latter is attributed to the novel preparation process and intelligent selection of components. Lay Summary: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) shows an array of pharmacological activities but its efficacy is limited due to poor solubility, stability and side effects. In present study its solubility and efficacy is improved by 787 and 35.5 times, respectively upon incorporation into solid lipid nanoparticles (ATRA-SLNs). Latter extended its release by 12 times and provided stability for at least a year under refrigeration. A controlled and sustained release will reduce dose related side effects. ATRA-SLNs reported presently can thus be used in treatment /prophylaxis of disorders like cancers, tuberculosis, age related macular degeneration and acne and as an immune-booster., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background: Plants have been known as an integral part of traditional medicine because of their phytoconstituents with their miraculous substances. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi/ Giloy) is one such plant having pharmacological functions and medicinal values due to its several constituents such as terpenes, glycosides, alkaloids, steroids and flavonoids. Thus, it has been rightly mentioned in old texts as "Amrita"., Objective: The objective of the present review is to extend the current knowledge, importance and beneficial pharmacological applications of guduchi in humans for safeguarding various health issues., Methods: We extensively reviewed, analyzed and compiled salient information from the published literature available in PubMed and other scientific databases., Results: The present review describes medicinal applications of T. cordifolia in countering various disorders and usages as anti-oxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, osteoprotective, radioprotective, anti-anxiety, adaptogenic agent, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, a thrombolytic agent, anti-diarrheal, anti-ulcer, anti-microbial and anti-cancer agent. The plant is also a source of micronutrients viz. copper, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and manganese. A special focus has been made on its health benefits in treating endocrine and metabolic disorders and its potential as an immune booster. Several patents have been filed and granted to inventions encompassing T. cordifolia as a major component of therapeutics for ameliorating metabolic, endocrinal and several other ailments, aiding in the betterment of human life expectancy., Conclusion: The information presented would be beneficial for researchers, medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies to design and develop effective medicines, drugs and healthical products exploiting the multiple as well as specific modes of actions of T. cordifolia, and also help in promoting and popularizing this rich herb having promising potentials to prevent and treat various ailments., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.)

Purpose: To compare the therapeutic effects of ultra-minimum incision personalized intratumoral chemoimmunotherapy (UMIPIC) with intratumoral chemotherapy (ITCT) in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinomas and to analyze the effect of hapten as an immune booster., Materials and Methods: Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinomas were treated with UMIPIC or ITCT with the same therapeutic procedure; the UMIPIC method had a proprietary regimen including an oxidant, a cytotoxic drug, and hapten, while ITCT delivered the same drug excluding hapten. Of 339 patients in total, 119 of the UMIPIC patients (n=214) had response data and 214 had survival data, and of the ITCT patients (n=125), 61 had response data and 125 had survival data. Tumor response was assessed with a computed tomography scan 6-8 weeks after the initial treatment; the survival rate was evaluated by follow-up visits. Tumor size was classified as small (<5 cm), large (5-10 cm), or very large (>10 cm); tumor sizes with liver function categorized using Child-Pugh class (A and B) were analyzed by correlation with overall survival., Results: The response rates (complete response + partial response + stable disease) were 78.68% and 81.52% in the UMIPIC and ITCT groups, respectively, with no statistically significant difference; however, the median overall survival was 7 months for UMIPIC (test) and 4 months for ITCT (control), respectively (P<0.01). The 6-month and 1-year survival rates for UMIPIC and ITCT were 58.88% vs 32.3% and 30.37% vs 13.6%, respectively (P<0.01). Single and multiple UMIPIC revealed significant improvement in overall survival compared to that of ITCT. Child-Pugh class A patients had a longer duration of survival compared to Child-Pugh class B patients in UMIPIC therapy., Conclusion: Hapten had enhanced therapeutic effect with improvement in the survival duration in UMIPIC compared to ITCT. After reexamination, the response rate was not different due to inflammation caused by hapten. Hapten has been found to play an important role in immunotherapy to improve patient survival.

Honey could be considered the most sustainable food produced naturally. It contains sugars, vitamins, minerals and has high anti-oxidant activities. Cancer is on the rise in most countries. Carcinogenesis is a multi-step process and has multi-factorial causes. Among these are low immune status, chronic infection, chronic inflammation, chronic nonhealing ulcers, smoking, obesity etc. Published studies thus far have shown that honey improves immune status, has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties and promotes healing of chronic ulcers and wounds and scavenge toxic free radicals. Recently honey has been shown to have anti-cancer properties in cell cultures and in animal models. The mechanisms suggested include induction of apoptosis, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle arrest. Though sugar is predominant in honey which itself is thought to be carcinogenic, it is understandable that its beneficial effect as anti-cancer agent raises skeptics. With increasing number of people seeking therapy from nature, this area of research has recently gained attention.

The relationship between HIV and AIDS and poor nutrition has been well established. Poor nutrition hastens the progression of HIV infection to AIDS. The rising pandemic of HIV and AIDS and high toxicity associated with anti-retroviral use are major factors that have compelled research to explore traditional herbal medicines as potential alternatives or supplements to anti-retroviral agents. A Phase I clinical trial was conducted on IMUNITI Wellness Pack, a herbal product with putative immune-modulating properties. The product is a combination of 7 herbal preparations, minerals, vitamins, and a specially formulated soya-maize meal porridge and a bottle of water purifier. The aim was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of IMUNITI, with a purpose of developing it for use in HIV-infected patients. The phase I study was conducted at the MRC clinic in Botha's hill and the study lasted 5 weeks from date of participant dosing. The study was a randomised blinded placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial conducted on 48 healthy males. The participants were randomly divided into 4 groups of 12. The 3 groups received different escalating doses of IMUNITI while the forth group received placebo tablets. Participants consumed IMUNITI daily for a period of 5 weeks. Assessments were done at baseline, week 1 and week 5 to determine the safety parameters in all participants. In this study, IMUNITI did not show any safety concerns. In all study participants, there were no significant changes above the upper limit of the reference ranges of the laboratory tests for full blood count, INR, renal and biochemical safety parameters. IMUNITI was well tolerated. Furthermore, the nutritional content analysis of IMUNITI showed that it is a high kilojoule, high protein content product which contains a mixture of sugars, vitamins, traces of calcium, phosphorus and minerals.