Immunopharmacology of the Main Herbal Supplements: A Review

Title:Immunopharmacology of the Main Herbal Supplements: A Review

Volume: 13 Issue: 4

Author(s): Angelo P. Amico, Annamaria Terlizzi, Sabino Damiani, Maurizio Ranieri, Marisa Megna and Pietro Fiore

Affiliation:

Keywords: Adaptogenic, echinacea, ginseng, herbal supplements, immune system, performance, rhodiola.

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.

Cite this article as:

Amico P. Angelo, Terlizzi Annamaria, Damiani Sabino, Ranieri Maurizio, Megna Marisa and Fiore Pietro, Immunopharmacology of the Main Herbal Supplements: A Review, Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets 2013; 13(4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871530314666140123152024