Multiple targets via multi-component herbal action including immunomodulation and improvement of microcirculation

This entry describes the collective actions of multi-component herbal medicines that operate through modulation of immune function and enhancement of microcirculatory processes rather than a single molecular or cellular target. Many immunomodulatory and microcirculation-improving effects of herbal medicines are mediated by a wide array of bioactive constituents (such as ginsenosides, curcuminoids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides) that target numerous cell types and signaling pathways, including induction of cytokine production, enhancement of macrophage and natural killer (NK) cell function, regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory responses, and stimulation of endothelial and vascular homeostasis. Herbal medicines exemplifying these effects include ginseng, astragalus, licorice, turmeric (curcumin), and Echinacea, among many others. Because such actions are distributed and integrated across biological systems, this entry does not meet the definition of a classical therapeutic "target" and should not be listed as one in databases that catalog molecular drug targets.

Other names

Multi-target action via herbal immunomodulation and microcirculation improvementPolypharmacology of herbal medicinesMulti-component herbal pharmacology

Modulation of immune cell activation and cytokine signaling (e.g., activation of macrophages, NK cells, T and B lymphocytes) Regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production Enhancement of phagocytosis and innate immune functions Activation of signaling pathways such as MAPK, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt Modulation of microvascular tone and endothelial function (i.e., improvement of microcirculation) Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects Polypharmacology (simultaneous, system-level effects via multiple pathways)