Abstract

LLAURADO MAURY, Gabriel et al. Eatable plants and mushroom in the immune system modulation. Rev Cubana Invest Bioméd [online]. 2011, vol.30, n.4, pp. 511-527. ISSN 0864-0300.

Introduction: Present review asses the results of researches basing its attention in the search of compounds obtained from medicinal plants and mushrooms, able to stimulate the immune response. Objectives: To collect and to update the scientific information published on the medicinal plants and active mushrooms on immune system. Methods: A bibliographic search of scientific papers related to this subject matter in the available databases (PubMed, EBSCO, SciELO, LILACS, CUMED, MEDNAT) as well as some books and websites. Results: In studies conducted it is mentioned how the main plants with immunomodulation activity: Allium sativum (Liliaceae), Aloe vera (Aloaceae), Uncaria tomentosa (Rubiaceae), Morinda citrifolia (Ribiaceae), Echinacea purpurea (Asteraceae) and Mangifera indica (Anacardiacear). Different active mushrooms on the immune system have been examined: Ganoderma lucidum (Ganodermataceae), Frifola frondosa (Polyporaceae), Lentinus edodes (Agaricaceae), Pleurotus spp. (Pleurotaceae) and Schizophylum commune (Schizophyllaceae) among others. Likewise, authors emphasized the possibilities that these natural sources could offer in management of immune response increasing the quality of life of patients presenting with immunodeficiencies and cancer. Conclusions: The study of natural products derived of medicinal plants and mushrooms offers many perspectives for the development of new effective and safe immunomodulation agents. It is necessary to continue working in the identification of the active principles and in the elucidation of the mechanism by means of they act.

Keywords : Mushrooms; immune system; immunomodulation activity; medicinal plants and natural products.

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