Targeting rheumatoid arthritis risk factors with phytochemicals: an anti-inflammatory perspective

Inflammation is a fundamental immunological response to external stimuli or damage caused by pathogens. Inflammatory disorders can be categorized to acute or chronic joint diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is classified as an inflammatory disorder, whereas osteoarthritis (OA) does not exhibit overt inflammatory characteristics compared to those of RA; however, certain inflammatory cytokines and episodic inflammation have been implicated in the progression of OA. This review enumerates how biological factors trigger the activation of Inflammasomes followed by series of inter-related processes. Latest literature revealed the management of arthritis requires comprehensive and multidimensional strategies. Although plethora of conventional anti-arthritic agents have been utilized to alleviate the manifestations of arthritis. Yet, their efficacy and tolerability may be compromised with human health while reviewing the documented adverse effects. Hence, an urgent priority is to investigate complementary and alternative therapeutic modalities, specifically traditional medicine, medicinal flora, and their associated phytochemicals. These demonstrate considerable anti-inflammatory properties with diminished adverse effects on human health. The current review aims to consolidate information regarding such promising medicinal plants and naturally occurring bioactive compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory effects against arthritis, as evidenced by various in vitro, in vivo, and other preclinical as well as clinical investigations, thereby aiding researchers in the development of phytomedicinal therapies for arthritis.