RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: A REVIEW

Palvi Palsra*, Raman Gupta, Dr. Jyoti Gupta, Nisha Devi and Shallu Dhiman

ABSTRACT

Herbal medicine also known as phytotherapy or herbalism, involves the use of plants or plant extracts to treat various health conditions,prevent disease and maintain overall wellness. Analgesics or anti-inflammatory are used in the treatment of pain or inflammation. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an immune mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) where the immune system attacks the tissues surrounding the joints driven the release of specific chemicals & enzymes that gradually damage cartilage and bone. This condition impacts all the joint in the body and in some cases, can also affect internal organs. Common symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis include joint inflammation, pain, swelling, which can lead to joint deformity and disability in severe substances. Herbal plants including Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Rosemary, Guduchi, Black pepper, Ginger. This review provides information on different analgesics sourced from nature. Medicinal plants play a significant role in treating rheumatism, with approximately 80% of the global population relying on traditional medicine. Rheumatism is a chronic autoimmune disorder that impacts the immune system and healthy tissue, leading to inflammation. Factors contributing to the risk of rheumatism include hormonal, genetic, environmental, nutritional, socio-economic influences, ethnicity, infections, and smoking. This review explores the use of various traditional medicinal plants, such as Aerva lanata, Mahuca longifolia, Acetaea spicata, Aesculus indica, and Hemidesmus indicus, in combating rheumatism. It also examines the mechanisms behind rheumatism, highlighting the inhibition of cartilage degradation. Notably, medicinal plants contain various active compounds, including lignans, flavonols, terpenes, and sterols, which have shown therapeutic benefits for rheumatism.

Keywords: Rheumatoid Arthritis, herbal plants, anti- rheumatic activity,Analgesics, Inflammation, Treatment.