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Natural Ingredients to Improve Immunity

Summary

Many natural ingredients from plants, mushrooms, and other sources can boost your immune system and help fight infections. These include well-known items like garlic, ginger, and vitamin C, as well as lesser-known compounds like β-glucans from mushrooms and melatonin from plant sources. Proper nutrition with adequate vitamins and minerals is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system that protects you from disease without overreacting and causing autoimmune problems.

Background

The immune system protects the body from infectious agents, and well-balanced immunity is essential for maintaining human health. Deficiencies in immune defense lead to infections and tumors, while excessive immune function causes autoimmune diseases and allergies. Natural ingredients with immunomodulatory properties offer alternatives to synthetic drugs with fewer adverse effects.

Objective

This review examines the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune-enhancing properties of bioactive compounds from plants, fungi, animals, microorganisms, and other natural sources. The authors assess vitamins, minerals, medicinal plants, and natural compounds as immunomodulators for preventing and treating immune-related diseases.

Results

Multiple natural ingredients demonstrate significant immunomodulatory effects: Echinacea enhances T-cell cytokine response and inhibits SARS-CoV-2; ginseng polysaccharides increase NK cell activity and immune functions; propolis reduces inflammatory markers; β-glucans from mushrooms activate complement systems and macrophages; melatonin exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; vitamins C and D support immune responses.

Conclusion

Natural bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, fungi, and other sources possess potent immunomodulatory properties through multiple mechanisms. Proper nutrition with adequate vitamins, minerals, and phytoconstituents is essential for strong immunity. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer observation periods is needed to establish optimal dosages and clinical applications.
  • Published in:Pharmaceuticals (Basel),
  • Study Type:Narrative Review,
  • Source: PMID: 37111285
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