An Overview of Selected Medicinal Plants for Reducing the Clinical Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are several contributing factors that lead to joint pain, and among them, osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are prominent. RA is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation that affects joints, tissues, and the whole body. This inflammatory disease results in synovial inflammation and hyperplasia, leading to the breakdown of articular cartilage, bone erosion, and long-term deformities. RA significantly impairs people's mobility and quality of life worldwide. The conventional treatments for this condition include NSAIDs, DMARDs, corticosteroids, and biologics. However, due to the high incidence of adverse reactions, alternative medicine is gaining popularity. Medicinal plants are considered a precious alternative source for treating RA. Medicinal plants have been used traditionally to treat arthritis globally, which addresses the limitations associated with current treatments, particularly in developing countries. The aim of this study is to find effective medicinal plants that can help reduce RA symptoms.