Abstract
Autoimmune diseases affect millions of people worldwide, fueling research into complementary and alternative therapies that can be used alongside conventional treatment. Natural substances such as herbal medicines, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals found in whole foods have shown notable immunomodulatory effects through various interconnected biological pathways. These include supporting T-cell function and stability, regulating cell differentiation, balancing cytokine production, and modulating key inflammatory mediators such as NF-κB and interleukins. A growing number of clinical trials and systematic reviews highlight the potential of these natural interventions to influence mechanisms involved in autoimmune diseases, including intestinal barrier integrity, molecular mimicry, and dysregulated innate and adaptive immune responses. In contrast to Paul Ehrlich’s Magic Bullet approach, which targets a single disease mechanism using synthetic drugs, natural therapies often work on multiple pathways at the same time. This broader mechanism of action may offer advantages for managing complex and chronic immune-related conditions.
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