Systematic Review of Chemical Compounds with Immunomodulatory Action Isolated from African Medicinal Plants

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#plants-medicinal #phytochemicals #humans #plant-extracts #immunomodulating-agents

Systematic Review of Chemical Compounds with Immunomodulatory Action Isolated from African Medicinal Plants

Nikiema et al., 2024 | Molecules | Systematic Review

Citation

Nikiema Wendwaoga Arsène, Ouédraogo Moussa, ... Semde Rasmané. Systematic Review of Chemical Compounds with Immunomodulatory Action Isolated from African Medicinal Plants. Molecules. 2024-Apr-26;29(9). doi:10.3390/molecules29092010

Abstract

A robust, well-functioning immune system is the cornerstone of good health. Various factors may influence the immune system's effectiveness, potentially leading to immune system failure. This review aims to provide an overview of the structure and action of immunomodulators isolated from African medicinal plants. The research was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Full-text access research articles published in English up to December 2023, including plant characteristics, isolated phytochemicals, and immuno-modulatory activities, were screened. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were generated using ChemDraw® (version 12.0.1076), and convergent and distinctive signaling pathways were highlighted. These phytochemicals with demonstrated immunostimulatory activity include alkaloids (berberine, piperine, magnoflorine), polysaccharides (pectin, glucan, acemannan, CALB-4, GMP90-1), glycosides (syringin, cordifolioside, tinocordiside, aucubin), phenolic compounds (ferulic acid, vanillic acid, eupalitin), flavonoids (curcumin, centaurein, kaempferin, luteolin, guajaverin, etc.), terpenoids (oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, boswellic acids, corosolic acid, nimbidin, andrographolides). These discussed compounds exert their effects through various mechanisms, targeting the modulation of MAPKs, PI3K-Akt, and NF-kB. These mechanisms can support the traditional use of medicinal plants to treat immune-related diseases. The outcomes of this overview are to provoke structural action optimization, to orient research on particular natural chemicals for managing inflammatory, infectious diseases and cancers, or to boost vaccine immunogenicity.

Key Findings

The outcomes of this overview are to provoke structural action optimization, to orient research on particular natural chemicals for managing inflammatory, infectious diseases and cancers, or to boost vaccine immunogenicity.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Plants, Medicinal
  • Phytochemicals
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts
  • Immunomodulating Agents
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Africa
  • Animals

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: berberine

Provenance

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