A REVIEW ON NATURAL PRODUCTS AS IMMUNE SYSTEM MODULATORS AGAINST INFECTIONS

The immune system is the most complex biological system in the body that recognizes and attacks viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasitic infections by creating an immediate reaction through the stimulation of the cells, cytokines, chemokines, and inflammatory mediator components of the immune system. Currently, regulating the immune system with various natural products has become a focus of scientific study worldwide. Natural immunomodulators are compounds that activate or inhibit the components of the immune system, whether innate or adaptive immune responses. Different natural products, such as medicinal plants (the whole plants, their extracts, and phytochemicals), probiotics, prebiotics, micro-nutrients, bees, and marine products, are used to modulate the immune system. Because they regulate immune system responses, natural products play a significant role in sustaining wellbeing and retaining organic resistance to infection. The present review tracks some of the natural immunomodulators and the functional diversity of their bioactive compounds from various sources in the immune system during infection. Conclusion: It has been documented that several natural products have immunomodulatory functions. Different natural products provide great protection against various pathogens through the modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Therefore, because of their large safety margin, high effectiveness, and low cost, natural products are recommended for use as positive immunomodulatory agents, for prophylactic and therapeutic applications.