Abstract :
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.
Keyword :
Rheumatoid arthritis, NSAIDs, DMARDs, Herbal preparation