Natural products and traditional herbal medicines as managerial therapies to combat rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex and challenging autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints, discomfort, stiffness, functional impairment, and systemic complications that affect millions of people around the world. Despite advances in medication, controlling RA remains difficult due to its complicated pathophysiology and numerous clinical symptoms. Synthetic medications, while effective, frequently cause considerable adverse effects, necessitating the investigation of alternate therapeutic options. This study attempts to provide a complete overview of synthetic medications and natural items used to treat RA. It specifically investigates the pathophysiological mechanisms that underpin RA and the efficacy and safety profiles of synthetic pharmaceuticals. Synthetic medications, such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologics remain important treatments for RA, albeit with hazards. So to explore safer and more effective therapy for the treatment of RA, a need to exploit the possible therapeutic benefits of natural items such as antioxidants, plant secondary metabolites, and traditional herbal remedies arises. By encompassing a spectrum of insights, from the molecular level to holistic traditional practices, this review aims to provide a holistic understanding of the role of natural products and traditional herbal medicines in the managerial landscape of RA. Furthermore, it investigates the effect of nutrition in regulating inflammation and disease development in RA. Integrative techniques that use natural products present intriguing adjuvant therapy, delivering anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory effects with potentially fewer side effects. Understanding the interaction of synthetic medications and natural products, as well as the role of nutrition, can help enhance RA treatment regimens, improve patient outcomes, and reduce treatment-related problems. This study is a valuable resource for doctors, researchers, and patients looking for evidence-based methods for RA care. The synthesis of this knowledge contributes to the ongoing pursuit of enhanced therapeutic strategies, fostering improved outcomes and quality of life for individuals grappling with rheumatoid arthritis