Traditional Herbal Therapy for the Human Immune System

Description

Drawing on indigenous and scientific knowledge of medicinal plants, Traditional Herbal Therapy for the Human Immune System presents the protective and therapeutic potential of plant-based drinks, supplements, nutraceuticals, synergy food, superfoods, and other products. Medicinal plants and their products can affect the immune system and act as immunomodulators. Medicinal plants are popularly used in folk medicine to accelerate the human immune defence and improve body reactions against infectious or exogenous injuries, as well as to suppress the abnormal immune response occurring in immune disorders. This book explains how medicinal plants can act as a source of vitamins and improve body functions such as enhanced oxygen circulation, maintained blood pressure and improved mood. It also outlines how specific properties of certain plants can help boost the immune system of humans with cancer, HIV, and COVID-19. Key features: Provides specific information on how to accelerate and or fortify the human immune system by using medicinal plants. Presents scientific understanding of herbs, shrubs, climbers and trees and their potential uses in conventional and herbal medicine systems. Discusses the specific role of herbal plants that act as antiviral and antibacterial agents and offer boosted immunity for cancer, H1N1 virus, relieving swine flu, HIV and COVID-19 patients. Part of the Exploring Medicinal Plants series, this book is useful for researchers and students, as well as policy makers and people working in industry, who have an interest in plant-derived medications. Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Preface About the Editor Contributors Disclaimer Chapter 1 Plant-based Potential Nutraceuticals for Improving the Human Immune System 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Immunomodulatory Phytochemicals and Associated Responses 1.3 Synergistic Effect of Herbal and Other Plant Products 1.4 Conclusion References Chapter 2 Antibacterial Properties of Medicinal Plants: Recent Trends, Progress, and Challenges 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Common Bacterial Diseases and Their Pathogenesis 2.3 Origin-based Classification of Medicinal Plants for Treatment of Bacterial Diseases, and Their Important Phytoconstituents 2.3.1 African Medicinal Plants 2.3.2 Medicinal Plants From the Americas 2.3.3 Chinese Medicinal Plants 2.3.4 Indian Medicinal Plants 2.3.5 European Medicinal Plants 2.4 Recent Progress in Bacterial Activities of Medicinal Plants 2.4.1 Medicinal Plants for Treating Bacterial Pneumonia 2.4.2 Medicinal Plants for Treating Cholera 2.4.3 Medicinal Plants for Treating Diphtheria 2.4.4 Medicinal Plants for Treating Gonorrhoea 2.4.5 Medicinal Plants for Treating Lyme Disease 2.4.6 Medicinal Plants for Treating Bacterial Meningitis 2.4.7 Medicinal Plants for Treating Syphilis 2.4.8 Medicinal Plants for Treating Tetanus 2.4.9 Medicinal Plants for Treating Tuberculosis 2.4.10 Medicinal Plants for Treating Typhoid 2.5 Significance of Antibacterial Drugs from Natural Sources 2.6 Mechanism and Mode of Action of Plant-based Antibacterial Drugs 2.7 Medicinal Plant-based Antibacterial Chemicals 2.8 Plant-based Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Activity 2.9 Conclusion and Future Perspective References Chapter 3 Antiviral Activity of Medicinal Plants: Current Understanding, Prospects, and Challenges 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Common Human Viral Diseases and Their Pathogenesis 3.3 Origin-based Classification of Antiviral Medicinal Plants 3.3.1 European Medicinal Plants with Antiviral Activity 3.3.2 Chinese Medicinal Plants with Antiviral Activity 3.3.3 Medicinal Plants from the Americas with Antiviral Activity 3.3.4 Indian Ayurvedic Plants with Antiviral Activity 3.4 Recent Insights on Antiviral Activities of Medicinal Plants 3.4.1 Medicinal Plants for Treatment of Viral Hepatitis 3.4.2 Medicinal Plants for Treatment of HSV 3.4.3 Medicinal Plants for Treating Influenza Virus 3.4.4 Medicinal Plants for Treating SARS-CoV 3.5 Significance of Antiviral Drugs from Natural Sources 3.6 Clinical Rationale for Antiviral Medicinal Plants 3.7 Challenges and Future Perspectives 3.8 Conclusion References Chapter 4 Conventional Medicinal Plants: Boosting the Immune System in Humans 4.1 Introduction 4.2 History of Medicinal Systems 4.2.1 Ayurvedic Medicinal System (AYMS) 4.2.2 Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) System 4.3 Importance of Conventional Medicinal Systems 4.4 Immunity-enhancing Plant-derived Drugs 4.5 Potential of Local Medicinal Plants as an Immunity Enhancer 4.5.1 Immunostimulants 4.5.2 Immunosuppressants 4.5.3 Immuno-adjuvants 4.6 Phytochemical Evidence Associated with Traditional Medicinal Systems 4.6.1 Phytochemistry 4.6.1.1 Flavonoids 4.6.1.2 Terpenoids 4.6.1.3 Organosulphur Compounds 4.6.2 Pharmacology 4.7 Conclusion References Chapter 5 Medicinal Plants for Strong Immune System and Traditional Skin Therapy in South Africa: An Overview 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Classification of Skin Diseases 5.3 Literature Survey of Plants of Dermatological Significance in South Africa 5.4 Indigenous Knowledge of South African Plants for Use in Skin Beauty, Therapy, and the Immune System 5.5 Common Methods of Preparation 5.6 Sustainable Utilization and Conservation of Plants for Skin Therapy 5.7 Conclusion References Chapter 6 Traditional African Medicinal Plants for a Strong Immune System 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Immunomodulatory Agents from Plants 6.3 Mechanisms of Action of Immunomodulatory Agents from Plants 6.4 Medicinal Plants Used in African Traditional Medicine for Immunomodulation 6.5 Commercial Formulations of African Medicinal Plants for Strengthening Immunity 6.6 Conclusion References Chapter 7 Traditional Brazilian Medicinal Plants for a Strong Immune System 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Brazilian Medicinal Flora: Native and Exotic 7.2.1 Ethnobotanic Aspects of Brazilian Medicinal Plants 7.3 Medicinal Plants within the Scope of the Brazilian Health System 7.4 Immunomodulatory Properties of Medicinal Plants 7.5 Conclusion References Chapter 8 Traditional Himalayan Plants: Nature’s Gift for Maintaining a Strong Immune System 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Background 8.3 Traditional Himalayan Medicinal Plants 8.4 Roles of Himalayan Medicinal Flora in Disease Treatment 8.4.1 Astragalus membranaceus 8.4.2 Allium sativum 8.4.3 Tylophora asthmatica 8.4.4 Withania somnifera 8.4.5 Panax ginseng 8.4.6 Tinospora cordifolia 8.4.7 Boerhaavia diffusa 8.4.8 Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora 8.4.9 Actinidia eriantha 8.4.10 Rhus toxicodendron 8.5 Ethanopharmacology 8.6 Recent Advances in Immunomodulatory Research 8.7 Himalayan Medicinal Plants and Their Decline 8.8 Conclusion References Chapter 9 Traditional South Indian Herbal Plants for a Strong Immune System 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Herbal Plants 9.3 Immune System 9.4 Traditional South Indian Herbal Plants and the Immune System 9.4.1 Medicinal Value of Herbal Plants 9.5 Conclusion Acknowledgements References Chapter 10 Sacred Medicinal Plants and their Use by Indigenous People for Strengthening the Immune System 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Plants Mentioned in Sacred Books 10.2.1 Khajoor Botanical Name Phoenix dactylifera L. Vernacular Names 10.2.1.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.2 Zaitoon Botanical Name Olea europaea L. Vernacular Names 10.2.2.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.3 Maweez Botanical Name Vitis vinifera L. Vernacular Names 10.2.3.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.4 Rumman Botanical Name Punica granatum L. Vernacular Names 10.2.4.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.5 Kalonji Botanical Name – Nigella sativa L. Vernacular Names 10.2.5.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.6 Kafoor Botanical Name Cinnamomum camphora L. Vernacular Names 10.2.6.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.7 Zanjabeel Botanical Name Zingiber officinale Roscoe Vernacular Names 10.2.7.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.8 Anjeer Botanical Name Ficus carica L. Vernacular Names 10.2.8.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.9 Mauz Botanical Name Musa paradisiaca L. 10.2.9.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.10 Ber Botanical Name Ziziphus mauritiana (Lamk.) Vernacular Names 10.2.10.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.11 Rehan Botanical Name Ocimum sanctum L. Vernacular Names 10.2.11.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.12 Peepal Botanical name Ficus religiosa L. Vernacular Names 10.2.12.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.13 Bael Botanical Name Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa Vernacular Names 10.2.13.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.14 Neem Botanical Name Azadirachta indica Vernacular Names 10.2.14.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.15 Sandal Botanical Name Santalum album Vernacular Names 10.2.15.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.16 Qinnab Botanical Name Cannabis sativa Vernacular Names (Kalam 2020) 10.2.16.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.17 Ashok Botanical Name Saraca asoca L. Vernacular Names 10.2.17.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.18 Sumbul-ut Teeb Botanical name Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC Vernacular Names 10.2.18.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.19 Zoofa Botanical Name Hyssopus officinalis L. Vernacular Names 10.2.19.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.20 Foful Botanical Name Areca catechu L. Vernacular Names 10.2.20.1 Evidence-based Research 10.2.21 Nilofar Botanical Name Nymphaea alba L. Vernacular Names 10.2.21.1 Evidence-based Research 10.4 Conclusion and Future Perspectives Acknowledgements Bibliography Chapter 11 Molecular Features of Potential Herbal Products in Enhancing Human Immune System 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Roles of Medicinal Plants 11.2.1 Role in Modern Medicine 11.2.2 Role in Traditional Chinese Medicine 11.2.3 Role in Ayurveda 11.2.4 Role in Siddha 11.2.5 Role in Other Regional Medicinal Systems 11.3 Medicinal Plants and Immunological Regulation 11.3.1 Immunomodulator Agents 11.3.2 Mechanism of Action of Immunomodulators 11.3.3 Immunosuppressive Agents 11.4 Medicinal Plants as Immune Boosters 11.5 Molecular Chemistry of Plant-derived Immunity Boosters 11.6 Molecular Chemistry of Phytoconstituents 11.7 Pharmacology and Toxicity of Medicinal Plants 11.8 Current Developments in Immunomodulator Research 11.9 Limitations 11.10 Conclusion Acknowledgement References Chapter 12 Specific Plant Nutrients and Vitamins that Fortify Human Immune System 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Specific Plant Nutrients and Their Immune System Stimulating Effect 12.2.1 Garlic 12.2.2 Ginger 12.2.3 Green Tea 12.2.4 Echinacea 12.2.5 Broccoli 12.2.6 Red Pepper 12.3 Selected Vitamins Fortifying the Immune System 12.3.1 Vitamin C 12.3.2 Vitamin D 12.3.3 Vitamin E 12.4 Conclusion References Chapter 13 Role of Specific Spices in Fortifying the Human Immune System 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Specific Spices for a Strong Immune System 13.2.1 Turmeric (Curcuma longa L., family Zingiberaceae) 13.2.1.1 Curcumin 13.2.2 Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Cinnamomum cassia) 13.2.3 Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) 13.2.4 Star Anise (Illicium verum) 13.2.5 Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) 13.2.6 Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) 13.2.7 Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) 13.2.8 Garlic (Allium sativum) 13.2.9 Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 13.2.10 Capsicum 13.2.11 Omum (Trachyspermum ammi) 13.2.12 Asafoetida (Ferula assafoetida) 13.2.13 Saffron (Crocus sativus) 13.3 Conclusion and Future Perspectives References Chapter 14 Specific Fruits and Berries for a Strong Human Immune System 14.1 Introduction 14.2 Structure of the Immune System 14.3 Immunity: Types and Mechanisms 14.4 Effects of Nutrition on the Immune System 14.5 Role of Fruits and Berries on Health and Immunity 14.6 Roles of Fruits and Berries in Disease Prevention and Immunity 14.7 Possible Mechanism of Action of Fruits in Immunity and Disease Prevention 14.8 Conclusion Bibliography Chapter 15 Natural Immunity Boosters and Anticancer Medicinal Plants 15.1 Introduction 15.2 Medicinal Plants: Immune Boosters 15.3 Anticancer Medicinal Plants 15.3.1 Allium sativum 15.3.2 Annona muricata 15.3.3 Astragalus cytosus 15.3.4 Boswellia serrata 15.3.5 Camellia sinensis 15.3.6 Centella asiatica 15.3.7 Curcuma longa 15.3.8 Phyllanthus amarus 15.3.9 Withania somnifera 15.3.10 Zingiber officinale 15.4 Phytochemicals Used for Cancer Treatment 15.4.1 Apigenin 15.4.2 Curcumin 15.4.3 Crocetin 15.4.4 Cyanidins 15.4.5 Diindolylmethane 15.4.6 Fisetin 15.4.7 Genistein 15.4.8 Kaempferol 15.4.9 Resveratrol 15.4.10 Rosmarinic Acid 15.5 Phytochemical Preparation 15.5.1 Phytochemical Extraction 15.5.2 Phytochemical Purification 15.5.3 Phytochemical Identification 15.5.4 Clinical Trials 15.6 Mechanism of Action of Phytochemicals on Cancerous Cells 15.7 Conclusion and Future Prospects References Chapter 16 Potential of Medicinal Plants as Immunity Booster against COVID-19 16.1 Introduction 16.2 SARS-CoV-2: Structural Assembly and Mechanism of Action in Human Host Cell 16.3 Medicinal Plants as Immunity Boosters Against COVID-19 16.3.1 Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi, Holy Basil) 16.3.2 Piper nigrum L. (Kaali Mirch, Black Pepper) 16.3.3 Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Sunthi, Ginger) 16.3.4 Cinnamomum verum J. Presl (Dalchini, Cinnamon) 16.3.5 Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers (Moonseed, Giloe) 16.3.6 Panax quinquefolius L. (Ginseng) 16.3.7 Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Licorice, Sweet Wood) 16.3.8 Curcuma longa L. (Haldi, Turmeric) 16.4 Immunological Responses Associated with Interaction Between Medicinal Plants and SARS-CoV-2 16.5 Conclusion References Index