Abstract

ANTI-ARTHRITIC POTENTIAL OF DIVERSIFIED HERBAL PLANTS ACROSS THE WORLD: A REVIEW

Abhik Das*, Riya Saikia and Bhaskar Mazumder

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) symptomised by pain, stiffness, swelling, inflammation of the joints and affects around 1-4% of the population worldwide. However, in severe cases it can also result in disabilities and deformities of the joints. The underlying cause considered for the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis is when the tissues near joints are attacked by the immune system because of the release of certain enzymes and chemicals which inturn erode the bones and cartilages. However, there are other numerous causes too which are considered for the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis and these includes environmental factors, genetic factors, family history, hormones, age, smoking etc. Almost all the joints in the body are affected by rheumatoid arthritis and in some specific forms of arthritis even the internal organs are affected too. Eventhough many a treatment exists in curing and controlling the progression of such autoimmune disorders, yet necessities for development remain. When rheumatoid arthritis is treated using modern drugs it offers temporary relief and produces severe side effects and adverse effects. Thereby, therapies and the treatments of Mother Nature that utilizes phytoactive compounds obtained from different plant resources can be utilized in treating and curing rheumatoid arthritis which inturn may lessen the undesired side effects and the adverse effects associated with modern drug molecules. This review will however emphasize on numerous active constituents derived from medicinal plants worldwide which in recent years have shown promising efficacy and safety in improving the symptoms and curing rheumatoid arthritis such that these medicinal plants can be further explored for future studies.

Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation, bones, cartilages, joints, medicinal plants, treatment.