Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that usually affects diarthrodial joints.
It causes inflammation, pain, swelling, and gradual cartilage and bone disintegration. The condition is
caused by various factors, including genetics, environment, hormones, and immunity. Pro-
inflammatory cytokines (TNF-?, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-17) lead to synovial inflammation, pannus
development, and degenerative changes in the joint. Common pharmacological treatments, such as
NSAIDs, corticosteroids, DMARDs, and biological agents, appear to be effective. Increasing attention
has been directed toward medicinal plants as potential complementary therapeutic options due to their
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This review highlights several
medicinal plants with promising anti-arthritic activity, including Withania somnifera, Boswellia
serrata, Piper nigrum, Aloe vera, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, and Actaea racemosa. These
plants contain bioactive compounds such as withanolides, boswellic acids, curcuminoids, and
gingerols, which modulate inflammatory mediators and prevent cartilage destruction. Experimental
and clinical studies support their potential to reduce joint inflammation, improve mobility, and
enhance overall quality of life. Although further large-scale clinical trials are warranted, herbal
approaches may offer safer, cost-effective, and sustainable alternatives in the prolonged treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis.
Keywords: Medicinal plants, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ethnomedicinal uses, invitro and invivo
evaluation of anti-rheumatoid activity
Publication date: 01/08/2026
https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/August/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10394.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.8.10394
