Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Arthritic Efficacy of Herbal Extracts: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are complex physiological and pathological processes that significantly impact global health. While conventional treatments such as NSAIDs and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs offer symptomatic relief, their long-term use is often associated with adverse effects. This review highlights the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential of various medicinal plants, emphasizing their bioactive constituents—such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and saponins—that modulate key inflammatory pathways including COX-2, NF-κB, and cytokine signaling. Numerous plant extracts, demonstrate significant efficacy in experimental models of inflammation and arthritis. The findings underscore the promise of phytochemicals as safer, multi-targeted alternatives for managing chronic inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders like RA.