Plant Metabolites as Immunomodulators

The immune system defends the body from various pathogens. Occasionally immune mechanisms fail in responding to antigens or they respond to self-antigens leading to severe complications like hypersensitivity, autoimmune disorders, cancer and AIDS. These conditions necessitate the use of compounds capable of modifying the immune system called immunomodulators. A large number of synthetic compounds are currently used for augmenting the immune system causing variety of side effects. Using natural biomolecules which are benign and economical can lead to safe immunomodulation. Application of plant metabolites for activating or suppressing the immune system is currently a fascinating area of research. This rational approach of immunomodulation has led to the discovery of many phytocompounds from known medicinal plants. Berberine, leonurine, piperine, gelselegine, chelerythrine and pseudo coptisine are some immunomodulatory agents derived from plants. Exploring plants with the use of innovative techniques will increase the choice of immunomodulators.