Role of Medicinal Plants in Autoimmune Diseases: Concepts, Perspectives, and Utilization

The immune system is a group of complex biological structures and processes in an organism which gives protection against wide range of pathogenic organisms and simultaneously distinguishes these pathogens from organism’s own healthy cells and tissues, thus maintaining homeostasis in the body.

It has been an age-old practice to use extracts and other parts of various plants in treating many diseases. Several plants contain various pharmacologically active substances, which can be used to treat different diseases. Among these medicinal plants many have shown good immunomodulatory properties and could act as natural immunosuppressant agents in treating autoimmune disorders.

In 12 chapters, besides covering the basic concepts of immune system and its function, Autoimmune diseases and Medicinal Plants provides a comprehensive knowledge of autoimmune diseases and the role of various medicinal plant products in their treatment