Immune System
A highly important component of the human body is the immune system. The lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and white blood cells, including B and T lymphocytes, make up this organ.
These immune system components all contribute to the body's defence against infections and outside invaders.
Together, these organs and cells are able to identify and eliminate alien elements including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
These cells also recognize and eliminate abnormal or damaged cells, such as cancer cells.
Treatments for autoimmune diseases include immunosuppressive drugs that suppress the immune system's activity and reduce inflammation [1].
The immune system is stimulated by vaccinations to develop antibodies that guard against infectious illnesses.
If the immune system starts recognizing its own body cells as foreign materials, then auto-immune disorders occur.
Immune deficiencies occur when the immune system is weakened, either due to genetic disorders or acquired conditions, such as HIV.
Treatment for immune deficiencies may involve immunoglobulin replacement therapy or stem cell transplantation.
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances, such as pollen or food.
Treatments for allergies may include antihistamines, steroids, or allergen immunotherapy.
Components of the Immune System
Immune Cells: These cells form the basis of the immune system, providing a first line of defense against potential threats. They include:
B cells
Natural Killer Cells
T Cells
macrophages
2. Lymphatic System: This system is responsible for transporting immune cells and other materials around the body. It includes lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus, and bone marrow.
3. Antibodies: Antibodies are proteins produced in response to any foreign pathogen that enters the body and is identified by the immune system of the body. These are produced by B cells of the immune cells [3].
Immune Disorders
The immune system diseases include:
Autoimmune diseases
Immunodeficiency syndromes.
Allergies
Asthma
Allergies can range from experiences of itchy eyes and sneezing to anaphylactic shock and include food allergies, contact allergies, and seasonal allergies.
When the immune system of the body erroneously targets its own cells as external invaders, autoimmune disorders can develop.
While Asthma is a respiratory disorder that is triggered by allergens.
Treatments for Immune System Disorders
There are several available remedies for immune system disorders, including:
Immunotherapy: This is a type of treatment that involves using antibodies or other substances to help the immune system fight off diseases.
Lifestyle changes: Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and avoiding harmful substances can all help improve immune function [5].
Medications: There are several medications available depending on the type of immune system disorder you are dealing with. These medications work by suppressing or stimulating the immune system as needed.
Alternative therapies: Complementary and alternative therapies like acupuncture, meditation, and yoga can help improve immune function and reduce inflammation.
Stem cell transplantation: In some cases, stem cell transplantation may be used to treat immune system disorders by replacing damaged or abnormal immune cells with healthy ones [6].
A patient should discuss with his healthcare provider which remedies are appropriate for his particular immune system disorder.
Science is moving towards herbal treatments nowadays. But the herbal remedies used must be scientifically approved.
The herbal medicines preferred are those passed through human clinical trial studies.
One of these herbal treatments is a curcumin compound that has a crucial role in treating immune system problems of all types. It is a scientifically proven compound. [7]
Curcumin
It is an important compound found primarily in turmeric having anti-inflammatory properties.
Much research has been done on this compound and it has proved itself a very crucial medicine for the treatment of many deformities including cancer.
Turmeric belongs to the Ginger family of plants which is also called curry spice. The active substance in turmeric is curcumin which is a yellow pigment having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential [8].
Turmeric contains curcumin and other curcuminoids, which may be extracted to create supplements with much more potency than the turmeric itself. Nonetheless, a variety of formulations have been created to improve curcumin's bioavailability because it does not digest well.
Curcumin is a well-researched compound and many benefits have been observed linked with several health conditions by using this important molecule. Some of the most common health benefits of curcumin include:
The levels of antioxidants prepared by the body are greatly increased by using this compound.
The number of inflammatory markers is reduced by curcumin in the body, so it helps treat inflammation in the body. It has been found through experimentation.
It not only relieves pain but also helps get rid of depression and anxiety.
It has been observed to be very beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis.
How Curcumin Plays Role in Treating Immune System Disorders
Curcumin is a well-researched compound, and many health benefits are associated with the activity of this crucial compound.
Research has shown that curcumin can act through multiple processes on the immune system and helps in improving its function.
It has been found that curcumin regulates the production of important proteins from the immune system. These proteins are called cytokines and they play crucial roles in fighting infections. But if these are produced in a greater number than what was needed, these may lead to immune system disease. So, curcumin controls the production of these cytokines and helps in treating and preventing disorders [10].
Another study has shown that curcumin can also stimulate the production of Treg from the immune system. These are crucial cells that have a role in preventing autoimmune disorders. So, when the number of these cells is increased, it can result in decreasing the production of other immune cells that can affect body cells and cause auto-immune diseases. So, curcumin can help prevent these conditions by stimulating the production of Treg.
In the case of immune system disease, more and more inflammatory proteins are produced that should be inhibited to treat these conditions. It was shown that curcumin can inhibit cytokines production and can help in the treatment of these disorders.
Oxidative stress is also one of the major factors that can lead to diseases of the immune system. Research has shown that curcumin plays a role in decreasing oxidative stress in the body which ultimately leads to improvement in the function of the immune system [11].
So, by acting through any of the above-mentioned processes, curcumin shows positive outcomes in treating the disorders of the immune system through its immunomodulatory properties.
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