Mindfulness meditation and the immune system: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Open accessAbstract
Mindfulness meditation represents a mental training framework for cultivating the state of mindful awareness in daily life. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in how mindfulness meditation improves human health and well‐being. Although studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can improve self‐reported measures of disease symptomatology, the effect that mindfulness meditation has on biological mechanisms underlying human aging and disease is less clear. To address this issue, we conducted the first comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials examining the effects of mindfulness meditation on immune system parameters, with a specific focus on five outcomes: (1) circulating and stimulated inflammatory proteins, (2) cellular transcription factors and gene expression, (3) immune cell count, (4) immune cell aging, and (5) antibody response. This analysis revealed substantial heterogeneity across studies with respect to patient population, study design, and assay procedures. The findings suggest possible effects of mindfulness meditation on specific markers of inflammation, cell‐mediated immunity, and biological aging, but these results are tentative and require further replication. On the basis of this analysis, we describe the limitations of existing work and suggest possible avenues for future research. Mindfulness meditation may be salutogenic for immune system dynamics, but additional work is needed to examine these effects.
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In non-pregnant adults, MT has been shown to alter the functioning of autonomic nervous and immune system pathways associated with hypertension.
“In non-pregnant adults, MT has been shown to alter the functioning of autonomic nervous and immune system pathways associated with hypertension.31,32”
From Prenatal Mindfulness Training and Interoceptive Awareness in Pregnant People at Risk for Hypertensive Disorders. (2024) · cites this paper as [32]
The Summary of evidence and implications for future research (page unavailable) reports tentative evidence that mindfulness meditation changes selected immune parameters. It says downregulation of stress axes is suggested by existing models, not established by this review, and it does not link the observed immune changes to hypertension. The findings are also restricted to particular populations and conditions rather than non-pregnant adults generally. (LLM, conf=0.86)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredAdditional evidence has shown that MBIs may enhance personal well-being, perceptual sensitivity, processing speed, empathy, concentration, reaction time, motor skills, immune function, and performance outcomes.
“Additional evidence has also shown that MBIs may enhance personal well-being, perceptual sensitivity, processing speed, empathy, concentration, reaction time, motor skills, immune function, and performance outcomes. 40-45”
From Randomized Controlled Trials of Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Interventions Over the Past Two Decades: A Bibliometric Analysis. (2021) · cites this paper as [45]
The Summary of evidence and implications for future research (page not provided) reports tentative evidence that mindfulness meditation affects select immune biomarkers, supporting the immune-function portion of the sentence. It does not establish improvements in perceptual sensitivity, processing speed, empathy, concentration, reaction time, motor skills, or performance outcomes; the review also cautions that its immune findings are limited to particular populations and conditions. (LLM, conf=0.88)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredThe effects of mindfulness practice on health appear similar in magnitude to the changes demonstrated by other conventional approaches for treating stress, pain, and illness.
“the effects of mindfulness practice on health appear similar in magnitude to the changes demonstrated by other conventional approaches for treating stress, pain, and illness, including the administration of psychoactive medications, psychotherapy, health education, and behaviour modification2,64.”
From Mindfulness-based online intervention increases well-being and decreases stress after Covid-19 lockdown (2022) · cites this paper as [2]
Randomized controlled trials targeting stress management have largely led to improvement in the morbidity of inflammatory diseases.
“Concordantly, several randomized controlled trials targeting stress management have largely lead to improvement in the morbidity of inflammatory diseases (Black and Slavich, 2016; Pbert et al., 2012; Simpson et al., 2014).”
From Origin and function of stress-induced IL-6 in murine models (2020) · cites this paper as Black and Slavich, 2016
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“Mindfulness interventions may potentially modulate these stress-related immune outcomes, and initial RCTs demonstrate promising effects on some immune markers (for a review, see Black & Slavich 2016).”
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“factor NF-kB, reductions in circulating levels of C-reactive protein, increases in CD4+ T cell count (in HIV-diagnosed individuals), and increases in telomerase activity.(120) Another systematic review on RCTs found that, compared to an active control (relaxation, exercise or education), mindfulness meditation reduced…”
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“Similarly, psychosocial interventions with anti-inflammatory properties, such as psychotherapy and mindful meditation (Black and Slavich, 2016; Koh et al, 2008; Pace et al, 2013; Thornton et al, 2009), might be beneficial in the aftermath of trauma exposure (Macmillan et al, 2009).”
BackgroundLife Stress and Health: A Review of Conceptual Issues and Recent Findings
Slavich, G. M. (2016) · Teaching of Psychology · doi:10.1177/0098628316662768 · Cited by 300 · see citing works
“…that several psychological, cognitive, and behavioral interventions may help to improve individuals’ academic performance, stress-related biological reactivity, and mental and physical health (Black & Slavich, 2016; Free et al., 2013; Regehr, Glancy, & Pitts, 2013; Yeager & Walton, 2011).”
Self-citationOrigin and function of stress-induced IL-6 in murine models
Qing, H., Desrouleaux, R., Israni-Winger, K., Mineur, Y. S., Fogelman, N., Zhang, C., Rashed, S., Palm, N. W., Sinha, R., Picciotto, M. R., et al. (2020) · Cell · doi:10.1016/j.cell.2020.05.054 · Cited by 303 · see citing works
“Concordantly, several randomized controlled trials targeting stress management have largely lead to improvement in the morbidity of inflammatory diseases (Black and Slavich, 2016; Pbert et al., 2012; Simpson et al., 2014).”
Shields, G. S., Spahr, C. M., & Slavich, G. M. (2020) · JAMA psychiatry · doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.0431 · Cited by 252 · see citing works
Self-citationMindfulness Training and Physical Health: Mechanisms and Outcomes
Creswell, J. D., Lindsay, E. K., Villalba, D. K., & Chin, B. (2019) · Psychosomatic Medicine · doi:10.1097/psy.0000000000000675 · Cited by 252 · see citing works
Heckenberg, R. A., Eddy, P. J., Kent, S., & Wright, B. J. (2018) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.09.010 · Cited by 233 · see citing works
Stress-induced biological aging: A review and guide for research priorities
Polsky, L. R., Rentscher, K. E., & Carroll, J. (2022) · Brain Behavior and Immunity · doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2022.05.016 · Cited by 181 · see citing works
Basu, A., McLaughlin, K., Misra, S., & Koenen, K. (2017) · Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1111/cpsp.12191 · Cited by 153 · see citing works
“Preliminary evidence of changes in immune or related biomarkers (Black & Slavich, 2016; Bower & Irwin, 2016; Morgan, Irwin, Chung, & Wang, 2014) and molecular mechanisms (Conklin et al., 2015; Niles, Mehta, Corrigan, Bhasin, & Denninger, 2014) in response to psychological treatments provides some…”
BackgroundYoga and immune system functioning: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Falkenberg, R., Eising, C., & Peters, M. (2018) · Journal of behavioral medicine · doi:10.1007/s10865-018-9914-y · Cited by 114 · see citing works
Therapeutic Potential of Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Bonaz, B. L., Sinniger, V., & Sonia Pellissier, A. (2021) · Frontiers in Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnins.2021.650971 · Cited by 166 · see citing works
“There are possible effects of mindfulness meditation on specific markers of inflammation, cell-mediated immunity, and biological aging, but these results are tentative and require further replication (Black and Slavich, 2016).”
BackgroundDjernis, D., Lerstrup, I., Poulsen, D. V., Stigsdotter, U. K., Dahlgaard, J., & O’Toole, M. S. (2019) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph16173202 · Cited by 166 · see citing works
“These have been proven to affect health positively with regard to psychological [9,10], physical [11,12], and social functioning [13,14].”
BackgroundDysregulation of Inflammation, Neurobiology, and Cognitive Function in PTSD: An Integrative Review
Quinones, M., Gallegos, A. M., Lin, F., & Heffner, K. (2020) · Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience · doi:10.3758/s13415-020-00782-9 · Cited by 85 · see citing works
Social Safety Theory: Conceptual foundation, underlying mechanisms, and future directions
Slavich, G. M., Roos, L. G., Mengelkoch, S., Webb, C. A., Shattuck, E. C., Moriarity, D. P., & Alley, J. C. (2023) · Health Psychology Review · doi:10.1080/17437199.2023.2171900 · Cited by 173 · see citing works
Self-citationPosttraumatic stress disorder: A metabolic disorder in disguise?
Michopoulos, V., Vester, A., & Neigh, G. (2016) · Experimental Neurology · doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.05.038 · Cited by 152 · see citing works
“Any interventions that decrease inflammation and oxidative stress could also benefit individuals with PTSD, including meditation and yoga (Black and Slavich, 2016; Pascoe and Bauer, 2015).”
Immunosenescence: signaling pathways, diseases and therapeutic targets
Fu, Y., Wang, B., Alu, A., Hong, W., Hong, L., He, X., Shi, H., Cheng, P., & Yang, X. (2025) · Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy · doi:10.1038/s41392-025-02371-z · Cited by 157 · see citing works
“463,465 Concurrently, adherence to robust sleep hygiene protocols and the management of sleep disorders are imperative for sustaining immune homeostasis and overall physiological well-being.”
Witek Janusek, L., Tell, D., & Mathews, H. L. (2019) · Brain, Behavior, and Immunity · doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2019.04.012 · Cited by 143 · see citing works
Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer-Induced Sleep Disruption
Walker, W. H., II, & Borniger, J. C. (2019) · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · doi:10.3390/ijms20112780 · Cited by 146 · see citing works
“, engaging dopaminergic signaling, reducing stress) can be designed to facilitate cancer suppression [265,266].”
BackgroundAn Integrative Approach to Neuroinflammation in Psychiatric disorders and Neuropathic Pain
Lurie, D. I. (2018) · Journal of Experimental Neuroscience · doi:10.1177/1179069518793639 · Cited by 146 · see citing works
The Role of Mindfulness in Reducing the Adverse Effects of Childhood Stress and Trauma
Ortiz, R., & Sibinga, E. M. S. (2017) · Children · doi:10.3390/children4030016 · Cited by 139 · see citing works
“In general, mindfulness has been modestly associated with alterations in markers of inflammation, cell-mediated immunity, and biological aging [75].”
BackgroundVieten, C., Wahbeh, H., Cahn, B. R., MacLean, K., Estrada, M., Mills, P., Murphy, M., Shapiro, S., Radin, D., Josipovic, Z., et al. (2018) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0205740 · Cited by 124 · see citing works
Probiotics for the treatment of depressive symptoms: An anti-inflammatory mechanism?
Park, C., Brietzke, E. M., Rosenblat, J. D., Musial, N., Zuckerman, H., Ragguett, R., Pan, Z., Rong, C., Fus, D., & McIntyre, R. S. (2018) · Brain Behavior and Immunity · doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2018.07.006 · Cited by 128 · see citing works
Wren, A., Ross, A., D’Souza, G., Almgren, C., Feinstein, A., Marshall, A., & Golianu, B. (2019) · Children · doi:10.3390/children6020033 · Cited by 115 · see citing works
Jiao, W., Lin, J., Deng, Y., Ji, Y., Liang, C., Wei, S., Xi, J., & Yan, F. (2025) · Journal of Neuroinflammation · doi:10.1186/s12974-024-03312-3 · Cited by 126 · see citing works
Mind the gap: The role of mindfulness in adapting to increasing risk and climate change
Christine Wamsler, B. (2018) · Sustainability Science · doi:10.1007/s11625-017-0524-3 · Cited by 110 · see citing works
“2008); (4) psychological and physical health in general (Black and Slavich 2016); (5) the activation of core values and compassion for others and the environment (Ericson et al.”
BackgroundThe Trauma Resiliency Model: A “Bottom-Up” Intervention for Trauma Psychotherapy
Grabbe, L., & Miller-Karas, E. (2018) · Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association · doi:10.1177/1078390317745133 · Cited by 107 · see citing works
“…and for multiple disorders (Grant et al., 2017; Lang, 2017; Rodrigues, Nardi, & Levitan, 2017; Williams, Teasdale, Segal, & Kabat-Zinn, 2007), along with research into the neurobiological underpinnings of mindfulness (Black & Slavich, 2016; Haase et al., 2016; Tang, Holzel, & Posner, 2015).”
Meditation and vacation effects have an impact on disease-associated molecular phenotypes
Epel, E. S., Puterman, E., Lin, J., Blackburn, E. H., Lum, P. Y., Beckmann, N. D., Zhu, J., Lee, E., Gilbert, A., Rissman, R. A., et al. (2016) · Translational Psychiatry · doi:10.1038/tp.2016.164 · Cited by 105 · see citing works
Kechter, A., Amaro, H., & Black, D. S. (2019) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-018-0974-4 · Cited by 102 · see citing works
Self-citationPathways to well-being: Untangling the causal relationships among biopsychosocial variables
Karunamuni, N. D., Imayama, I., & Goonetilleke, D. (2020) · Social Science & Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.112846 · Cited by 102 · see citing works
Sanada, K., Montero-Marin, J., Barceló-Soler, A., Ikuse, D., Ota, M., Hirata, A., Yoshizawa, A., Hatanaka, R., Valero, M. S., Demarzo, M., et al. (2020) · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · doi:10.3390/ijms21072484 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
“Likewise, two previous systematic reviews reported that null findings of replicated effects of MBIs were observed for inflammatory cytokines in blood, including IL-6 and TNF-α, in participants with cancer, ulcerative colitis or rheumatoid arthritis, or in dementia caregivers and healthy controls [1,81].”
ResultBushell, W. C., Castle, R. D., Williams, M. A., Brouwer, K., Tanzi, R., Chopra, D., & Mills, P. (2020) · Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine · doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0177 · Cited by 78 · see citing works
“Included in this consideration are studies documenting effects of a diverse range of meditative and yoga practices to promote anti-inflammatory and typically reduce proinflammatory cytokine activity, incuding natural killer (NK) cell activity and NK and T cell cytokine production, which has been a topic of two systema…”
Lopresti, A. L. (2017) · Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1177/0004867417701996 · Cited by 97 · see citing works
“Psychological treatments, including relaxation training, meditation/mindfulness, yoga and even imagery can have anti-inflammatory influences (Black and Slavich, 2016; Bower and Irwin, 2016; Eremin et al., 2009; Laudenslager et al., 2016).”
BackgroundMindfulness-based and acceptance-based interventions in sport and performance contexts
Gardner, F. L., & Moore, Z. E. (2017) · Current Opinion in Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.06.001 · Cited by 92 · see citing works
Grupe, D. W., McGehee, C., Smith, C., Francis, A. D., Mumford, J. A., & Davidson, R. J. (2021) · Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology · doi:10.1007/s11896-019-09351-4 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
“pulse, and a blood draw used to assay high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a marker of peripheral inflammation that shows reductions in some mindfulness interventions (Black and Slavich 2016).”
InfluentialKip, E., & Parr‐Brownlie, L. C. (2023) · Frontiers in Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnins.2023.1092537 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
“A review of randomized control trials examining the effect of mindfulness on the immune system observed reduced transcription of NF-κB and CRP levels and increases in cellmediated defenses (CD4 T cell count and activity) and telomerase activity (Black and Slavich, 2016).”
BackgroundEwais, T., Begun, J., Kenny, M. A., Rickett, K., Hay, K. E., Ajilchi, B., & Kisely, S. R. (2018) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2018.11.010 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
Mental awareness improved mild cognitive impairment and modulated gut microbiome
Khine, W. W. T., Voong, M. L., Ng, T. K. S., Feng, L., Rane, G., Kumar, A. P., Kua, E. H., Mahendran, R., Mahendran, R., & Lee, Y. K. (2020) · Aging · doi:10.18632/aging.202277 · Cited by 88 · see citing works
“These effects appeared to be mediated by strengthened neuronal circuits [10], enhanced immune regulation [11], changes in gene expression and activity [12], reduced levels of certain inflammatory markers [13, 14] and lowered levels of oxidative stress markers leading to telomere lengthening [15].”
BackgroundAndrés-Rodríguez, L., Borràs, X., Feliu-Soler, A., Pérez-Aranda, A., Rozadilla-Sacanell, A., Montero-Marin, J., Maes, M., & Luciano, J. V. (2019) · Brain, Behavior, and Immunity · doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2019.02.030 · Cited by 87 · see citing works
Interaction of neurotransmitters and neurochemicals with lymphocytes
Kerage, D., Sloan, E. K., Mattarollo, S. R., & McCombe, P. (2019) · Journal of Neuroimmunology · doi:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.04.006 · Cited by 80 · see citing works
de Vries, L. P., van de Weijer, M. P., & Bartels, M. (2022) · Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104733 · Cited by 81 · see citing works
“, meditation resulted in a decrease in CRP levels (Black and Slavich, 2016).”
BackgroundMindfulness enhances cognitive functioning: a meta-analysis of 111 randomized controlled trials
Zainal, N. H., & Newman, M. G. (2023) · Health Psychology Review · doi:10.1080/17437199.2023.2248222 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
“…has shown that mindful-ness-based interventions (MBIs) positively a ff ect various health outcomes across diverse age groups, genders, and people living in di ff erent cultural contexts (Abbott et al., 2014; Black & Slavich, 2016; Flook et al., 2015; Kaunhoven & Dorjee, 2017; Wetherell et al., 2017).”
BackgroundEpigenetic clock analysis in long-term meditators
Chaix, R., Alvarez-López, M. J., Fagny, M., Lemee, L., Regnault, B., Davidson, R. J., Lutz, A., & Kaliman, P. (2017) · Psychoneuroendocrinology · doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.08.016 · Cited by 77 · see citing works
“Molecular mechanisms involved in the aging process, such as inflammation, immune and epigenetic pathways (Black and Slavich, 2016; Kaliman et al., 2014), as well as telomere maintenance (Epel et al., 2009; Alda et al., 2016), are also sensitive to contemplative practices.”
BackgroundSlavich, G. M., Roos, L. G., & Zaki, J. (2021) · Anxiety Stress & Coping · doi:10.1080/10615806.2021.1950695 · Cited by 82 · see citing works
“…turn, have been shown to increase positive emotions and social connectedness, and to decrease distress, depression, systemic inflammation and inflammatory responses to stress, and markers of biological aging (Black & Slavich, 2016; Galante et al., 2014; Hutcherson et al., 2008; Pace et al., 2009).”
BackgroundSelf-citationMolecules of Silence: Effects of Meditation on Gene Expression and Epigenetics
Venditti, S., Verdone, L., Reale, A., Vetriani, V., Caserta, M., & Zampieri, M. (2020) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01767 · Cited by 76 · see citing works
“All protocols have become the subject of psychological, physiological, and molecular investigations (Black and Slavich, 2016).”
BackgroundBarrett, B. P., Grabow, M., Middlecamp, C., Mooney, M., Checovich, M. M., Converse, A. K., Gillespie, B., & Yates, J. (2016) · Sustainability · doi:10.3390/su8101040 · Cited by 75 · see citing works
Bossi, F., Zaninotto, F., D’Arcangelo, S., Lattanzi, N., Malizia, A. P., & Ricciardi, E. (2022) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-022-10361-2 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
Walsh, E., Eisenlohr-Moul, T., & Baer, R. (2016) · Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1037/ccp0000122 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
“While some evidence supports that MBIs are efficacious in reducing inflammatory markers (e.g., Carlson et al., 2007), a comprehensive review on this topic highlights that these effects are not always replicated (Black & Slavich, 2016), suggesting the presence of critical moderators.”
An Examination of Mindfulness-Based Programs in US Medical Schools
Barnes, N., Hattan, P., Black, D. S., & Schuman‐Olivier, Z. (2016) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-016-0623-8 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
“…CA, USA 3 Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, 26 Central Street, Somerville, MA 02143, USA related conditions (Black et al. 2015; Black and Slavich 2016; Bowen et al. 2014; Goyal et al. 2014; Niazi and Niazi 2011; O’Reilly et al. 2014; Segal et al. 2010).”
BackgroundSelf-citationMeditation, stress processes, and telomere biology
Conklin, Q. A., Crosswell, A. D., Saron, C. D., & Epel, E. S. (2019) · Current Opinion in Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2018.11.009 · Cited by 69 · see citing works
“, immune system functioning [39]) and the anticipatory [40], reactivity (e.”
Chaix, R., Fagny, M., Cosín‐Tomás, M., Alvarez-López, M., Lemée, L., Regnault, B., Davidson, R. J., Antoine Lutz, A., & Kaliman, P. (2019) · Brain Behavior and Immunity · doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2019.11.003 · Cited by 74 · see citing works
“and Kurth, 2019), as well as physiological and cellular levels (Black and Slavich, 2016; Buric, 2017; Conklin et al., 2019; Kaliman, 2019).”
BackgroundMarciniak, R., Šumec, R., Vyhnálek, M., Bendíčková, K., Lázničková, P., Forte, G., Jeleník, A., Římalová, V., Frič, J., Hort, J., et al. (2020) · Clinical Interventions in Aging · doi:10.2147/cia.s249196 · Cited by 70 · see citing works
Dunn, T. J., & Dimolareva, M. (2022) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102124 · Cited by 69 · see citing works
Neuroinflammation and depressive disorder: The role of the hypothalamus
Černáčková, A., Ďuračková, Z., Trebatická, J., & Mravec, B. (2020) · Journal of Clinical Neuroscience · doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2020.03.005 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
The Biological Measurements of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction: A Systematic Review
Reive, C. (2019) · EXPLORE · doi:10.1016/j.explore.2019.01.001 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Seifert, G., Jeitler, M., Stange, R., Michalsen, A., Cramer, H., Brinkhaus, B., Esch, T., Kerckhoff, A., Paul, A. E., Teut, M., et al. (2020) · Frontiers in Medicine · doi:10.3389/fmed.2020.587749 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
“The influence of psychological processes as well as psychological and behavioral interventions on the immune system (16, 66, 73, 74), positive psychological well-being (75), physiological functions (76, 77) as well as the mind’s impact on chronic diseases is quite wellresearched (78).”
BackgroundIntervenciones psicológicas basadas en mindfulness y sus beneficios: estado actual de la cuestión
Hervás, G., Cebolla, A., & Soler, J. (2016) · Clínica y Salud · doi:10.1016/j.clysa.2016.09.002 · Cited by 67 · see citing works
Bravo, C., Skjærven, L. H., Sein-Echaluce, L. G., & Catalán-Matamoros, D. (2019) · European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine · doi:10.23736/s1973-9087.19.05291-2 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
Rådmark, L., Sidorchuk, A., Osika, W., & Niemi, M. (2019) · Journal of Clinical Medicine · doi:10.3390/jcm8101638 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Integrative considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Alschuler, L. N., Weil, A., Horwitz, R., Stamets, P. E., Chiasson, A. M., Crocker, R. L., & Maizes, V. H. (2020) · EXPLORE · doi:10.1016/j.explore.2020.03.007 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Frank, J. L., Broderick, P. C., Oh, Y., Mitra, J. L., Kohler, K. M., Schussler, D. L., Geier, C. F., Roeser, R. W., Berrena, E., Mahfouz, J., et al. (2021) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-021-01594-9 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
Schakel, L., Veldhuijzen, D. S., Crompvoets, P. I., Bosch, J. A., Cohen, S., van Middendorp, H., Joosten, S. A., Ottenhoff, T. H. M., Visser, L. G., & Evers, A. W. M. (2019) · Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics · doi:10.1159/000501645 · Cited by 66 · see citing works
Holtdirk, F., Mehnert, A., Weiss, M., Mayer, J., Meyer, B., Bröde, P., Claus, M., & Watzl, C. (2021) · PLOS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0251276 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
“A meta-analysis reported that mindfulness meditation reduces inflammatory biomarkers such as CRP or NFκB but may be neutral with regard to other cytokines [16].”
BackgroundHo, C. Y. Y., Yu, B. C. L., & Mak, W. W. S. (2022) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102175 · Cited by 62 · see citing works
Martino, D., Johnson, I. N. S., & Leckman, J. F. (2020) · Frontiers in Neurology · doi:10.3389/fneur.2020.567407 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
“, mindfulness meditation, appear promising for the modulation of inflammation and cell-mediated immunity (245).”
BackgroundPsychobiological mechanisms underlying the mood benefits of meditation: A narrative review
Pascoe, M. C., de Manincor, M., Tseberja, J., Hallgren, M. Å., Baldwin, P. A., & Parker, A. G. (2021) · Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology · doi:10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100037 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
“For example, the stress-induced release of certain in fl ammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α , and interleukin (IL-10), activate the HPA axis and cause the release of cortisol [95,96].”
BackgroundResultInfluentialHuman social genomics: Concepts, mechanisms, and implications for health
Slavich, G. M., Mengelkoch, S., & Cole, S. W. (2023) · Lifestyle Medicine · doi:10.1002/lim2.75 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
“142).”
Self-citationVillalba, D. K., Lindsay, E. K., Marsland, A. L., Greco, C. M., Young, S., Brown, K. W., Smyth, J. M., Walsh, C. P., Gray, K., Chin, B., et al. (2019) · PLOS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0219120 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
“Contrary to expectations, but in line with some evidence from other RCTs [13], mindfulness training did not significantly change circulating levels of CRP.”
BackgroundResultQiu, J. X. J., & Rooney, D. (2017) · Journal of Business Ethics · doi:10.1007/s10551-017-3693-1 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
The Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on Immune Responses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Oh, B., Bae, K., Lamoury, G., Eade, T., Boyle, F., Corless, B. P., Clarke, S., Yeung, A., Rosenthal, D., Schapira, L., et al. (2020) · Medicines · doi:10.3390/medicines7070039 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
A systematic review of associations between emotion regulation characteristics and inflammation
Moriarity, D. P., Grehl, M. M., Walsh, R. F. L., Roos, L. G., Slavich, G. M., & Alloy, L. B. (2023) · Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105162 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
“…and minocycline generally are considered primary interventions for inflammation-mediated conditions, psychosocial interventions such as cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) and mindfulness meditation also have been shown to influence inflammatory biology (Black and Slavich, 2016; Shields et al., 2020).”
BackgroundSelf-citationMeditation and telomere length: a meta-analysis
Schutte, N. S., Malouff, J. M., & Keng, S. (2020) · Psychology and Health · doi:10.1080/08870446.2019.1707827 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
“In a systematic review of randomised controlled trials examining the impact of meditation on immune system functioning, Black and Slavich (2016) concluded that meditation may have a positive effect on some biomarkers of immune system activity, such as CD4þ T cell counts and activity of the cellular…”
BackgroundDedoncker, J., Vanderhasselt, M., Ottaviani, C., & Slavich, G. M. (2021) · Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.010 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Self-citationMeditation and cognitive ageing: the role of mindfulness meditation in building cognitive reserve.
Malinowski, P., & Shalamanova, L. (2017) · Journal of Cognitive Enhancement · doi:10.1007/s41465-017-0022-7 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
“The growing evidence that MM improves ANS, HPA axis and immune function (Black and Slavich 2016; O ’ Leary et al. 2016; Tang et al. 2009) is in itself exciting, indicating that it holds promise beyond cognitive improvements.”
Mitchell, A. M., & Christian, L. (2019) · Journal of behavioral medicine · doi:10.1007/s10865-019-00023-6 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
The Neuroscience of Resilience
Hunter, R. G., Gray, J. D., & McEwen, B. S. (2018) · Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research · doi:10.1086/697956 · Cited by 53 · see citing works
Abe, M., & Abe, H. (2019) · Personalized Medicine Universe · doi:10.1016/j.pmu.2019.05.002 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
Schulte‐Frankenfeld, P. M., & Trautwein, F. (2022) · Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being · doi:10.1111/aphw.12328 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
“…of anxiety, depression and stress (Gonz alez-Valero et al., 2019; Lomas et al., 2019; Querstret et al., 2020), improve body awareness (Treves et al., 2019) and regulation (Bornemann et al., 2019; Kadziolka et al., 2016) and foster physical health (Black & Slavich, 2016; Creswell et al., 2019).”
BackgroundPavanello, S., Campisi, M., Tona, F., Lin, C. D., & Iliceto, S. (2019) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph16173074 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
van Middendorp, H., & Evers, A. W. M. (2016) · Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology · doi:10.1016/j.berh.2016.10.012 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
Long‐Term Vegan Meditation Improved Human Gut Microbiota
Jia, W., Zhen, J., Liu, A., Yuan, J., Wu, X.-L., Zhao, P., Zhao, L., Li, X., Liu, Q., Huang, G., et al. (2020) · Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine · doi:10.1155/2020/9517897 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
Mindfulness and Empathy: Differential Effects of Explicit and Implicit Buddhist Teachings
Bayot, M., Vermeulen, N., Kever, A., & Mikolajczak, M. (2020) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-018-0966-4 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Bulzacka, E., Lavault, S., Pélissolo, A., & Bagnis, C. I. (2017) · L Encéphale · doi:10.1016/j.encep.2017.03.006 · Cited by 49 · see citing works
Graham, A. M., Doyle, O. J., Tilden, E. L., Sullivan, E. L., Gustafsson, H., Marr, M. C., Allen, M. C., & Seghete, K. L. M. (2021) · Biological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging · doi:10.1016/j.bpsc.2021.10.012 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
“Across meta-analyses of RCTs and clinical research of MBIs with heterogeneous populations of medical, psychiatric, and healthy populations, MBIs are consistently associated with reduced CRP levels (87, 102, 103)(except see (104)).”
Innate immune remodeling by short‐term intensive fasting
Qian, J., Fang, Y., Yuan, N., Gao, X., Lv, Y., Zhao, C. N., Zhang, S., Li, Q., Li, L., Li, X., et al. (2021) · Aging Cell · doi:10.1111/acel.13507 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
“Psychological induction is known to have an influence on immune function (Black & Slavich, 2016; Davidson et al., 2003).”
BackgroundEwais, T., Begun, J., Kenny, M. A., Hay, K. E., Houldin, E., Chuang, K.-H., Tefay, M., & Kisely, S. R. (2021) · Journal of Psychosomatic Research · doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110594 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Doan, S. N., Yu, S. H., Wright, B., Fung, J. J., Saleem, F. T., & Lau, A. S. (2022) · Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review · doi:10.1007/s10567-022-00389-1 · Cited by 52 · see citing works
“Furthermore, mindfulness meditation may modulate neurobiological mechanisms of chronic stress, such as telomere regulation (Conklin et al., 2019), immune system functioning (Black & Slavich, 2016), and cortisol secretion (Sanada et al., 2016).”
BackgroundBanfi, J. T., & Randall, J. G. (2022) · Journal of Research in Personality · doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2022.104307 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
Sperling, E. L., Hulett, J. M., Sherwin, L. B., Thompson, S., & Bettencourt, B. A. (2023) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0286387 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
“Objective physiological measures have also provided support for mindfulness, including decreased circulating levels of C-reactive protein and proinflammatory cytokines [24–27]; increased telomere length and telomerase activity [24, 25]; as well as reduced proinflammatory cytokines in those with depression and anxiety…”
BackgroundMental health and immunity (Review)
Vasile, C. (2020) · Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine · doi:10.3892/etm.2020.9341 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
“one type of intervention, such as cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) (31), meditation (32,33), mind‐body interventions (34), lifestyle changes (35), body‐mind therapies (36) and stress management (37).”
BackgroundGrupe, D. W., Stoller, J. L., Alonso, C. M., McGehee, C., Smith, C., Mumford, J. A., Rosenkranz, M. A., & Davidson, R. J. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.720753 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
Maloh, J., Engel, T. N., Natarelli, N., Nong, Y., Zufall, A., & Sivamani, R. K. (2023) · Journal of Clinical Medicine · doi:10.3390/jcm12030964 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
“To illustrate, those with AA have been found to have significantly higher levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) relative to control, and one systematic review suggests that mindfulness-based practices, such as MBSR, may decrease CRP [41,44].”
BackgroundPiccoli, G. B., Capizzi, I., Vigotti, F. N., Leone, F., D’Alessandro, C., Giuffrida, D., Nazha, M., Roggero, S., Colombi, N., Mauro, G. D., et al. (2016) · BMC Nephrology · doi:10.1186/s12882-016-0275-x · Cited by 44 · see citing works
“Collaterally, we may also cite that prayer and meditation are presently considered the most widespread CAM worldwide [109, 110].”
BackgroundMeditation and Its Mental and Physical Health Benefits in 2023
Jamil, A., Gutlapalli, S. D., Ali, M., Oble, M. J. P., Sonia, S. N., George, S., Shahi, S. R., Ali, Z., Abaza, A., & Mohammed, L. (2023) · Cureus · doi:10.7759/cureus.40650 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
“No effect was there in interleukin one, interleukin six, interleukin eight, interleukin ten, interferon-gamma, influenza, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin G (IgG), respectively [7].”
BackgroundInfluentialOstaiza-Cardenas, J., Tobar, A., Costa, S. C., Calero, D. S., López-Carrera, A., Bermúdez, F. G., & Orellana-Manzano, A. (2025) · Frontiers in Nutrition · doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1632999 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
García-Campayo, J., Puebla-Guedea, M., Labarga, A., Urdánoz, A., Roldán, M., Pulido, L., de Morentin, X. M., Perdones-Montero, Á., Montero-Marín, J., & Mendioroz, M. (2018) · Mindfulness · doi:10.1007/s12671-017-0851-6 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
“An example of the effect of mindfulness on biological mechanisms and functions is the observation of immune changes in the blood and leukocytes after mindfulness mediation practicing, which has been systematically reviewed (Black and Slavich 2016).”
BackgroundKirlić, N., Cohen, Z. P., & Singh, M. K. (2020) · Adversity and Resilience Science · doi:10.1007/s42844-020-00001-x · Cited by 41 · see citing works
- Authors
- Black, D. S., & Slavich, G. M.
- Affiliations
- University of Southern California (US)
- University of California, Los Angeles (US)
- Corresponding author
- Black, David S.
- Venue
- Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2016-01-21
- Volume
- 1373
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 13-24
- ISSN
- 0077-8923 (ISSN-L)
- 1749-6632
- PMC
- PMC4940234
- OpenAlex
- W2293546053
- Cited by
- 599
- References
- 75
- Citations by year
- 2026: 61 · 2025: 84 · 2024: 69 · 2023: 66 · 2022: 58 · 2021: 72 · 2020: 74 · 2019: 50 · 2018: 24 · 2017: 25 · 2016: 15 · 2012: 1
- FWCI
- 5.63
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- europepmc.org
- Locations
- Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
- PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
- Funders
- Biodemography and Population Health (P30 AG017265)
- National Institute of Mental Health (K08 MH103443)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Biofield Effects and Biophysics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
- Keywords
- mindfulness meditation, immune system, inflammation, inflammatory proteins, cell-mediated immunity, antibody response, gene expression, transcription factors, biological aging, salutogenesis
- MeSH terms
- Awareness, Humans, Immune System, Immunity, Cellular, Stress, Psychological, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Meditation, Mindfulness
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