HERBAL APPROACHES TO ARTHRITIS: A REVIEW OF THERAPEUTIC PLANTS AND THEIR BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS

Arthritis, a chronic inflammatory condition, significantly impacts the quality of life by causing pain, swelling, and joint degeneration. Conventional therapies, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), often present severe side effects, necessitating alternative approaches. This review explores the therapeutic potential of traditionally used anti-arthritic plants and their bioactive phytochemical constituents. Several medicinal plants, such as Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Cissus quadrangularis (Devil’s Backbone), Zingiber officinale (Ginger), and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), have demonstrated promising anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. The primary active constituents include quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, gallic acid, β-sitosterol, and caffeic acid, which exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by targeting key inflammatory pathways, such as NF-κB, COX-2, and cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β. This study provides an extensive compilation of anti-arthritic plants, categorizing them by botanical names, families, parts used, and major phytochemicals. Plants such as Merremia tridentata, Justicia gendarussa, and Salacia reticulata are also highlighted for their traditional usage and emerging scientific validation in arthritis management. Furthermore, the mechanisms of action of key phytochemicals, such as their role in reducing oxidative stress, modulating immune responses, and preventing cartilage degradation, are discussed. By synthesizing traditional knowledge with scientific evidence, this review emphasizes the potential of these medicinal plants as safer, cost-effective, and sustainable alternatives or complementary therapies for arthritis. Future research directions include clinical trials, standardization of plant extracts, and the development of novel formulations to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.