ABSTRACT
Immunomodulators are substances capable of weakening or suppressing the immune system. They are considered to have fewer side effects than existing drugs, including less potential for creating resistance when treating microbial infections. Immunomodulators could be classified as either immunos- timulants, immunoadjuvants, or immunosuppressants. Some plant-derived chemicals such as those from alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, anthocya- nins, terpenoids, saponins, sterols, polysaccharides, and lectins have been established as having an immunomodulating property. Phytochemicals are good immunomodulatory candidates as they are considered to be safer than synthetic drugs. This chapter details the immunomodulating functions of plant-derived chemicals with supporting evidence. Background information was laid on the phytochemicals discussed and plant families and extracts confirmed to have immunomodulating properties were presented in tables.
