Therapeutic potential of Indian plants for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Immune system of the body is very important. It protects our body from many diseases but hypersensitivity of the immune system causes many diseases like allergies and several auto immune diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease. It causes inflammation, swelling and redness of the affected joints. It also affects blood vessels and lymphatic tissues. The main aim of the treatment of RA is to eliminate the symptoms of the disease or to slowdowns the development of the disease. Presently many types of drugs are used for the treatment of this disease like disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Long term usage of these drugs causes many adverse effects. Use of plants for the treatment of the disease causes no side-effects. India has blessed with enormous wealth of medicinal plants. Since ancient time, herbal drugs are used for the treatment of various disorders in India. In the present review many plants having antirheumatic property are mentioned.