Praktické lekárnictvo 1/2013

Natural products to enhance immunity

The human immune system as a protective shield against the negative impact of the external environment is in significant influence of the nervous and the endocrine system. On the other hand it can also affect the neuroendocrine system itself. The development and function of the immune system is determined by genetic factors and the influence of external environment. With significant contribution it is involved in the inflammatory response and inflammation is the result of the interplay and balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory agents. In the prevention of diseases, it is necessary the fully operational immune system. If the immune system is missing one or more components, it leads to the immunodeficiency. Such a weakening of the immunity leads to higher susceptibility to infection, and it´s failure to the formation and development of malignant diseases. At the present time are becoming increasingly more popular natural ingredients and medical plants with immunostimulant activity. The most popular include β-glucan, coneflower, sea buckthorn, garlic, goji, ginger.

Keywords: immune system, immunostimulants, β-glucan, vitamin D, medicinal plants.