Plant origin anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents and their mechanism of action: A review

Abstract

This review article describes the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of essential oils (EOs),
gums, latex, and pigments. It also highlighted the numerous diseases curing potential of these phytochemicals
from various species. These natural bio-organic ingredients induce the synthesis of inflammatory mediators
which successfully work against inflammation. These phytochemicals can easily replace the use of steroidal
drugs as anti-inflammatory agents which show multiple side effects. Phytochemicals representing the class of
flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, anthraquinones, chemical constituents of EOs,
plant pigments, and gum components have been reported from more than 100 medicinal plants for the treatment of
inflammatory diseases saponins, polysaccharides, and organosulfur compounds. These natural products showed
promising anti-inflammatory activities to treat skin, liver, cardiovascular, joint, gastrointestinal, neurological, and
lung inflammation diseases. These plant products accelerate the healing process by activating the immune system
and inhibition or neutralization of inflammatory molecules. These plant-origin phytochemicals quickly heal the
tissue damage and ultimately do the restoration of tissue function. These are novel, safer, and show lesser side
effects agents. These healing agents could be used for longer duration for the treatment of various inflammatory
health disorders.