Immunopharmacology of the main herbal supplements: a review

Amico et al., 2013 | Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets | Meta Analysis

Citation

Amico Angelo P, Terlizzi Annamaria, ... Fiore Pietro. Immunopharmacology of the main herbal supplements: a review. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2013-Dec;13(4):283-8

Abstract

It is debated whether the use of herbal supplements in endurance sports, in order to have a better performance, is correct or not, from the perspective of both as safety and as effectiveness. In this review we try to find out if the most common herbal supplements (Echinacea, Rhodiola, Ginseng) are effective in the improvement of performance or in the modulation of the immune system. According to the results of our review, the prevalent effect is adaptogenic rather than ergogenic, with a better tolerance of the exercise induced stress, related to enhancement of the whole immune system and decrease of the oxidative damage.

Key Findings

According to the results of our review, the prevalent effect is adaptogenic rather than ergogenic, with a better tolerance of the exercise induced stress, related to enhancement of the whole immune system and decrease of the oxidative damage.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	See abstract
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	stress

MeSH Terms

Animals
Dietary Supplements
Echinacea
Humans
Immunologic Factors
Oxidative Stress
Panax
Phytotherapy
Plant Preparations

Evidence Classification

Level: Meta Analysis
Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review
Vertical: ginseng

Provenance

PMID: 24456264
DOI: (not available)
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09