Role of Medicinal Plants in Autoimmune Diseases

Book excerpt: 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 - Elucidates in-depth knowledge on the basics of Immunology, as well as the various autoimmune disorders and the medicinal plant extracts which could be an alternative and safe approach for their treatment and management - Provides updated content on the role of different medicinal plants in curing autoimmune diseases - Includes a section at the end of each autoimmune disease, giving a comparison between the treatment with conventional drugs and the medicinal plant products - Explains the benefits and risks of both treatment regimens in comprehensive, yet easily understandable way