Herbal Medicine − A natural cure to arthritis

Arthritis is a chronic disease condition and a major cause of disability throughout the world. The pathophysiological phenomenon of arthritis involves dysregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-inflammatory enzymes which results in elevated levels of prostaglandins, leukotriene and nitric oxide; additionally, there is also expression of an adhesion molecule, matrix metalloproteinase and hyper proliferation of synovial fibroblasts. Regulation of all these factors is maintained through transcription factor called nuclear factor κβ. Thus, agents that can suppress either one or multiple of these pathological modulators could serve as a potential treatment for arthritis. As synthetic molecules have not been proven to provide adequate therapy due to toxicity, side effects or reappearing of symptoms on discontinuation, there is urgent need to have alternative options for arthritis. A large flora of herbal medicines is available in traditional medicine and basic scientific research has provided an understanding of the efficacy of these remedies in treating arthritis. In recent years, there has been boom in research and industries focusing on herbal remedies to treat a variety of diseases including arthritis. Several developments in clinical studies in carefully designed clinical trials have made the way easier to include herbs as arthritis therapy. This review is focused on the potential role of herbs in treating arthritis and prospects for the future.