ANTI-GOUT AND ANTI-ARTHRITIC ACTIVITY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS: A SCIENTIFIC REVIEW

Gout and arthritis are prevalent and debilitating inflammatory disorders that primarily affect the joints, leading to intense pain, swelling, stiffness, and restricted mobility. These conditions significantly impair the quality of life and often require long-term management. While conventional pharmacological treatments such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and urate-lowering agents offer symptomatic relief, they are often associated with adverse effects, high costs, and limited efficacy in certain patient populations. Consequently, there is increasing interest in the potential of medicinal plants with anti-gout and anti-arthritic properties as alternative or complementary treatments. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and critical evaluation of a wide range of medicinal plants that have shown potential in mitigating the symptoms of gout and arthritis. The review focuses on identifying key phytochemicals and understanding their mechanisms of action, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, immunomodulatory, and uric acid-lowering effects. By synthesizing contemporary scientific findings, this review emphasizes the therapeutic relevance, safety profile, and clinical applicability of medicinal plants, thereby presenting them as promising adjuncts or alternatives in the management of gout and arthritis.