Immune Disturbance Induced by Glyphosate and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides: Integrating Preclinical and Human Data

Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide in global agriculture, has raised growing concerns due to its potential immunotoxic effects. This narrative review synthesizes and critically analyzes epidemiological, clinical, and preclinical data from 2015 to 2025 regarding the impacts of glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) on immune system function in humans and animal models. Comprehensive searches across multiple databases yielded 77 primary studies, including in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo investigations. The evidence indicates that glyphosate and its commercial formulations can disrupt immune homeostasis through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, DNA damage, epigenetic modulation, cytokine imbalance, and mitochondrial dysfunction, even at low, environmentally relevant concentrations. Notably, GBHs show greater toxicity than glyphosate alone, likely because of the presence of surfactants and adjuvants that enhance their bioavailability and cellular penetration. Human studies support findings from animal models, highlighting immunosuppressive and pro-inflammatory effects in exposed populations. Despite regulatory agencies deeming glyphosate safe within approved limits, the cumulative and chronic impacts—especially of commercial mixtures—call for re-evaluation. Our review emphasizes the urgent need for standardized toxicological assessments of full formulations and advocates for harmonized regulatory policies that include immunotoxic endpoints.