Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis With Acupuncture, Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinalis) and Vitamin D: A Case Report

Pharmacological and immunomodulatory modes of action of medically important phytochemicals against arthritis: A molecular insight

Arthritis is a common illness that affects joints and it may result in inflammation and pain. Even though arthritis usually affects older people, it can also affect children, adults, and both genders. Numerous arthritic mouse models have been developed but the CIA model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has received the most attention. With the use of steroids, DMARDs, and NSAIDs, therapy objectives such as reduced disease incidence and better pain management are achieved. Long-term usage of these therapeutic approaches may have negative side effects. Herbal medications are the source of several medicinal substances. Studies have explored the potential benefits of medicinal plants in treating RA. These benefits include up-regulating antioxidant potential, inhibiting cartilage degradation, down-regulating inflammatory cytokines such as NF-kB, IL-6, and TNF-α, and suppressing oxidative stress. In this review, we systematically discuss the role of traditional medicinal plants in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease treatment. The role of different medicinal plants such as Curcuma longa, Syzygium aromaticum, Zingiber officinale and Withania somnifera, against arthritis is discussed in this review.

Inflammation and ROS in arthritis: management by Ayurvedic medicinal plants

Chronic joint inflammatory disorders like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which are manifested by joint dysfunction, show an upsurge in inflammation and oxidative stress. Although conventional anti-arthritic drugs are being used to relieve pain from arthritic symptoms, they usually cause severe side effects. Traditionally used Ayurvedic medicinal plants are a promising alternative for the management of arthritic symptoms, as they are safe and effective. Ayurvedic medicinal plants improve arthritic symptoms by reducing joint tenderness, joint pain, swelling, bone and cartilage damage, and increasing knee flexion, walking distance and sports activities. These beneficial effects of Ayurvedic medicinal plants on arthritis are mediated through various cellular mechanisms including inhibition of the inflammatory markers NF-κB, cytokines, adipokines, PGE2, NO, iNOS, COX-2, and MMPs and induction of antioxidant status by decreasing free radicals, lipid peroxidation, and myeloperoxidase, and increasing antioxidant enzymes, Nrf2, and HO-1. Thus, a strategy requires using these Ayurvedic medicinal plants to treat arthritis. This article describes the status of inflammation and oxidative stress in arthritic conditions. We also provide evidence that Ayurvedic medicinal plants and their bioactive components are highly effective in improving arthritic symptoms.