Immunomodulatory Activity of Complementary and Alternative Medicines
1School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
2Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, India
3Division of Clinical and Molecular Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
4Department of Zoology, Government College, Madappally, Vadakara, India
Immunomodulatory Activity of Complementary and Alternative Medicines
Description
Immune system is an autoregulating system that takes input from other systems and uses response loops to correct itself at an earlier set point. The definition of immunomodulation refers to the action undertaken by an external agent on autoregulating processes that direct the immunological defense system. This is achieved by altering the immune functions through either up- or downregulation of components of immune system. The agents who can alter the immune function are generally designed as immunomodulators. Many of these drugs are currently in clinical practice in treating anaphylactic reactions, supporting organ transplantations, managing autoimmune disorders, and boosting the immune responses to prevent infections which have immunomodulatory actions. Over the period complementary and alternative medicines are making use of such immunomodulators for treating various conditions. There is a considerable interest in the past few decades to understand the mode of action of these drugs on the immune system. Systematic studies to elucidate the mechanism of action of these drugs will provide scientific basis for establishing quality, efficacy, and safety of CAMs.
We are inviting investigators to submit original research articles as well as reviews to be considered for publication in the special issue. Special consideration will be given to studies explaining the mechanism of immunomodulatory functions of formulations which are in clinical use. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
- Immunomodulatory functions of various formulations used in traditional system of medicines
- Immunomodulatory functions of CAMs in neurodegenerative diseases
- Adjuvant role of medicinal plants
- Antiquorum sensing activity of medicinal plants
- Immunomodulatory functions of CAMs in noninfectious diseases
- Immunomodulatory functions of CAMs in infectious diseases
- Immunomodulatory functions of CAMs in reducing side effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Human studies exploring the immunomodulatory functions of CAMs
- Studies of synergistic effects, toxicity, and side effects of CAMs together with other immunomodulators
Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal’s Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/submit/journals/ecam/immune/ according to the following timetable: