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Nature Exposure and Its Effects on Immune System Functioning: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Liisa Andersen

    (Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark)

  • Sus Sola Corazon

    (Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark)

  • Ulrika Karlsson Stigsdotter

    (Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark)

Abstract

Given the drastic changes in our lifestyles and ecosystems worldwide, the potential health effects of natural environments have grown into a highly pervasive topic. Recent scientific findings suggest beneficial effects from nature exposure on human immune responses. This review aims at providing a comprehensive overview of literature published on immunomodulatory effects of nature exposure by inhalation of natural substances. A systematic database search was performed in SCOPUS and PubMed. The quality and potential bias of included studies (n = 33) were assessed by applying the EPHPP (Effective Public Health Practice Project) tool for human studies and the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) and SYRCLE (Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation) tools for animal studies. The synthesis of reviewed studies points to positive effects of nature exposure on immunological health parameters; such as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-asthmatic effects or increased NK (natural killer) cell activity. Decreased expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, infiltration of leukocytes and release of cytotoxic mediators are outcomes that may serve as a baseline for further studies. However, partially weak study designs evoked uncertainties about outcome reproducibility and key questions remain open concerning effect sizes, duration of exposure and contributions of specific vegetation or ecosystem types.

Suggested Citation

  • Liisa Andersen & Sus Sola Corazon & Ulrika Karlsson Stigsdotter, 2021. "Nature Exposure and Its Effects on Immune System Functioning: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-48, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:1416-:d:492576
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    5. Katja Oomen-Welke & Evelyn Schlachter & Tina Hilbich & Johannes Naumann & Alexander Müller & Thilo Hinterberger & Roman Huber, 2022. "Spending Time in the Forest or the Field: Investigations on Stress Perception and Psychological Well-Being—A Randomized Cross-Over Trial in Highly Sensitive Persons," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-13, November.
    6. Yu Gao & Yingna Zhang & Weikang Zhang & Huan Meng & Zhi Zhang & Tong Zhang, 2024. "Well-Being and Sustainable Utilization of Forest Environment with Diverse Vegetation Distributions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-18, September.
    7. Vicent Balanzá-Martínez & Jose Cervera-Martínez, 2022. "Lifestyle Prescription for Depression with a Focus on Nature Exposure and Screen Time: A Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-17, April.
    8. Davide Donelli & Francesco Meneguzzo & Michele Antonelli & Diego Ardissino & Giampaolo Niccoli & Giorgio Gronchi & Rita Baraldi & Luisa Neri & Federica Zabini, 2023. "Effects of Plant-Emitted Monoterpenes on Anxiety Symptoms: A Propensity-Matched Observational Cohort Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-16, February.

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