World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

A REVIEW: ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF HERBAL PLANTS

Siddhika Anil Phadtare*, Akanksha Dilip Thorat, Pawar Rutuja Rajendra, Prof. Rutuja Dattatray Shitole

ABSTRACT

Medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites are increasingly used as complementary medicines for inflammatory conditions. Inflammation underlies a wide range of diseases, including rheumatic disorders, autoimmune conditions, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Conventional anti-inflammatory drugs, such as non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, are associated with significant adverse effects, necessitating the search for safer and effective alternatives. This review highlights herbal extracts, formulations, and phytochemicals— particularly from Indian Medicinal Plants (IMP)—with proven anti-inflammatory activity (AIA). Key phytochemical classes, including alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids and terpenoids, exert their effects through multiple mechanisms, including selective COX-2 inhibition, NF-κB suppression, and cytokine modulation. Clinical evidence supports the efficacy of herbs such as Curcuma longa, Boswellia serrata, and Zingiber officinale in disorders like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA).

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