Immunomodulatory potential of phytochemicals and other bioactive compounds of fruits: A review

Abstract

Our immune system depends on leucocytes or white blood cells which possess the power to produce antibodies to fight various disease‐causing pathogens. People have now realized the crucial role played by the immune system in keeping them healthy. Therefore, recent scenario has witnessed an upsurge in the demand of immunity boosting foods. The use of naturally available fruits as immunomodulators is so ubiquitous and just needs concrete scientific proofs for claiming its efficacy. Many studies have shown that fruits are abundant in bioactive compounds like vitamins (vitamin A, C, E, etc.), minerals, and phytochemicals (like β‐ carotene, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolics, etc.). These components have the potential to enhance our immunity by supporting the proliferation of lymphocytes, scavenging free radical species, reducing oxidative stress, improving anti‐inflammatory as well as immunomodulatory mechanism, and supporting aggregation of platelets. Thus, supplementation of diet with an appropriate amount of fruits daily could support body's natural defense by strengthening our immune response. In this preface, we attempt to summarize the significant role played by various phytochemicals and bioactive compounds of fruits in boosting our immune system.

Structure of type II collagen from sturgeon cartilage and its effect on adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats

“…B cells can produce immunoglobulins that help the immune system recognize and kill pathogens. 42 T lymphocytes produced by the thymus are mainly involved in cellular immunity and play a role in recognition of antigen. 42,43 As we all know, the weight and index of immune organs are usually used to evaluate the immune function of the body.…”

“…42 T lymphocytes produced by the thymus are mainly involved in cellular immunity and play a role in recognition of antigen. 42,43 As we all know, the weight and index of immune organs are usually used to evaluate the immune function of the body. 44 The spleen index is shown in Fig.…”

Molecular mechanisms of the chemical constituents from anti-inflammatory and antioxidant active fractions of Ganoderma neo-japonicum Imazeki

“…In biological systems, free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are constantly produced as metabolic by-products in biological systems. When the body lacks antioxidant defense, a large number of free radicals and ROS lead to oxidative stress reactions (E. Obrenovich et al, 2012 ; Maheshwari et al, 2022 ). G. lucidum has strong antioxidant activity, and its active ingredients can enhance the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, thereby reducing the level of ROS ( Ajith et al, 2009 ; Smina, De, et al, 2011 ).…”

Impact of high hydrostatic pressure on the micellar structures and physicochemical stability of casein nanoemulsion loading quercetin

“…Quercetin is a natural flavonoid compound present in a variety of fruits and vegetables ( Maheshwari, Kumar, Bhadauria, & Mishra, 2022 ). Studies have shown that quercetin exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer activities, which makes it have a broad application prospect in food, medicine and other fields ( Hai et al, 2020 , Shanmugam et al, 2022 , Xu et al, 2019 ).…”