Plant based anti-inflammatory secondary metabolites

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to harmful stimuli arising in tissue in response to traumatic, infectious, post-ischemic, toxic or autoimmune injury. The resolution inflammation requires the termination of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways and clearance of inflammatory cells allowing the restoration of normal tissue functions. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most well recognized drugs worldwide for the treatment of inflammation and associated diseases. However, prolonged use of NSAIDs causes adverse gastrointestinal complications, immunodeficiency and humoral disturbances, leading to chronic problems. In this context, the identification of new chemical entities with high efficacy and safety has a paramount importance. Natural products are considered to be a promising avenue for the discovery of new drug molecules. The discovery of aspirin was a basis for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms through which several phytochemicals may inhibit inflammation.