Flavonoids As Potential Immunity Boosters: An Overview

Immune dysfunction is one of the root causes of human diseases, including cancer. Therefore, regulation of factors influencing immune responses is a practical approach to counter the illness. Numerous synthetic drugs play an essential role in enhancing immune response but can also exert adverse side effects. The search for naturally occurring products with immunity promoting properties is gaining research interest worldwide. Plant-based compounds possess several immunomodulatory effects and increase immunity through different mode of actions, including influence on immune organs, cellular immunity, nonspecific immunity, etc. Among these naturally occurring compounds, flavonoids are one of the most studied groups of plant-based phenolics. They display an extensive range of activities depending on structures and are also responsible for particular colors and tastes. This chapter summarizes the classification of flavonoids and explores their potential as immunity booster compounds.