Narrative Review of Herbal Immunomodulators
Herbal immunomodulators are naturally occurring compounds capable of enhancing or suppressing immune responses through diverse mechanisms. Traditional medical systems have long employed plants such as Echinacea, Astragalus, Ginseng, Elderberry, and Turmeric to support immunity, with modern research confirming their potential to influence innate and adaptive pathways via receptors, signaling cascades, and cytokine regulation. Clinical and preclinical evidence suggests that these herbs may alleviate respiratory infections, modulate inflammation, and improve immune resilience, though variability in formulation, dosage, and study design limits definitive conclusions. Safety concerns, including adverse effects, herb–drug interactions, and inconsistent regulatory oversight, further complicate their integration into standard medical practice. Nevertheless, growing patient demand, cultural acceptance, and supportive mechanistic studies underscore the therapeutic promise of herbal immunomodulators. This review highlights key agents, mechanisms of action, clinical evidence, safety considerations, and future directions for integrating herbal immunomodulators into modern healthcare.