NATURAL HERBAL TREATMENT FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS -A REVIEW

Rheumatoid arthritis is an immune mediated inflammatory disease (IMID). Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when our immune system attacks the tissues near joints, this is due to release of certain chemicals and enzymes that begin to eat away the cartilage and bones. Rheumatoid arthritis affects all the joints in the body, some forms of arthritis can also affect the body’s internal organs. The symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis include inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints, it can also lead to deformity and disability of the joint in severe cases. There are several causes for Rheumatoid arthritis these causes are unknown but some include genetic factor, family history, age, environmental factors, hormones, smoking etc. This paper gives an overview of the medicinal plants with phytoconstituents which can be used in the treatment of RA and different treatments available for Rheumatoid arthritis. These medicinal plants can be extracted and phytoconstituents can be isolated, pharmacological studies can be carried out and the plants can be further explored for future studies. Even modern drugs used for the better improvement of the symptoms, offer only temporary relief and produce severe side effects, so researchers rely on natural remedies, for treatment of various diseases, with efficacy and safety, and with fewer side effects.