RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS : AN UNDERSTANDING IN THE LIGHT OF HERBAL MEDICINES

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterised by chronic polyarticular synovial inflammation and progressive erosion of cartilage and bone. The disease occurs at any age, but is common among those aged between 40-70 years. RA has a worldwide distribution with prevalence of 1 to 2%. Pathogenesis of RA remains a mystery for past 40 years. Genetic studies established that people who carry specific MHC haplotypes show a higher risk for RA. Cytokines have also been implicated as important mediators of disease. Analysis of cytokine mRNA and protein in RA tissue revealed that TNF-, IL-1, IL-6, GM-CSF, and IL-8 are abundant. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) influences the inflammatory molecules. Antioxidants (exogenous or endogenous) are the compounds which prevent the generation of toxic oxidants. Treatment choice of the physician for RAis Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Herbal medicine is one of the oldest and traditional medicine systems around the world. Herbal products may contain a single herb or combinations of different herbs believed to have complementary effects. These contain potent bioactive substances.