In a context where strengthening the immune system is a major public health issue, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a wealth of medicinal plants that are being studied with increasing rigor. This article examines five plants from Chinese tradition, supported by recent scientific data, to explore their immunomodulatory potential, mechanisms of action, and precautions.
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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), drawing on millennia of empirical experience, notably offers roots, mushrooms, and fruits intended to “tonify” or “strengthen” the body’s “Qi” and “defenses.” For some of these, modern science is beginning to describe credible molecular mechanisms. Plant 1: Astragalus membranaceus (HuangQi)Astragalus is one of the most emblematic plants in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Its main identified active compound is astragalus polysaccharide (APS), extracted from the root. A review published in 2022 provided a broad overview of its immunomodulatory effects: APS stimulates lymphoid organs (bone marrow, spleen, thymus), macrophages, dendritic cells, T and B lymphocytes, and promotes the expression of cytokines and chemokines.
PubMed
+1 A meta-analysis published in 2023 quantified the effect of Astragalus on humoral and cellular immunity: a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ) (SMD −2.8765, 95% CI: −3.2385 to −2.5145, p<0.0001) and an increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio (SMD 2.4629, 95% CI 1.9598–2.9661).
Karger PublishersThese results suggest a regulatory effect: Astragalus does not simply “stimulate” raw immunity, but appears to modulate it toward equilibrium. It should be noted, however, that the authors highlight significant heterogeneity in the studies.
Mechanistically, APS inhibits the NF-κB pathway, modulates macrophage activation, promotes M1 polarization of macrophages, and has even been studied as a potential adjuvant in cancer immunotherapy.
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+1 In practice: this plant can be considered an immune support, particularly during periods of stress or fatigue. However, the homogeneity of extracts, standardization, and quality of clinical studies remain limited.
Plant 2: Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi / Reishi)
Reishi is a prominent medicinal mushroom in Eastern tradition. Two major families of bioactive compounds are highlighted: polysaccharides (GLP) and triterpenes. A 2025 review explored its immunomodulatory effects within the gut-liver-brain axis, emphasizing this mushroom’s ability to activate macrophages, NK cells, and T lymphocytes, and to modulate the gut microbiota, thereby strengthening the intestinal barrier and systemic immunity.
MDPI
In an animal model (aggregating fish), GLP injection at 6–8 mg/ml significantly improved total plasma proteins, catalase activity, superoxide dismutase activity, and lysozyme activity.
Frontiers
In summary, Reishi exhibits a multifaceted immunomodulatory profile: not only stimulation of innate immunity, but also potential for regulation via the microbiota and reduction of oxidative stress. It could be relevant for overall immune support, particularly in the context of chronic fatigue or gut-immune system imbalance.
Plant 3: Schisandra chinensis (WuWeiZi)
Schisandra, or “five-flavor berry,” is less well-documented than the previous two but is generating increasing interest due to its immunoactive polysaccharides. A review of Schisandra polysaccharides published in 2018 (and cited in subsequent reviews) indicates a wide range of activities—antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory.
ResearchGate
Although clinical studies remain limited, in vitro and in vivo data show that Schisandra polysaccharides can modulate macrophages, influence cytokine production, and offer immune support, particularly in the context of oxidative stress or convalescence. It is therefore an interesting candidate to consider as an additional immune support agent in a complementary approach.