Plant-based approaches for rheumatoid arthritis regulation: Mechanistic insights on pathogenesis, molecular pathways and delivery systems

Purpose: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is classified as a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that is associated with a varied range of immunological changes, synovial hyperplasia, cartilage destructions, as well as bone erosion. Even though many conventional drugs are suggested by a medical practitioner such as DMARDs, NSAIDs, glucocorticoids, etc. to treat RA, but, they have allied with various side effects. Therefore, this study tries to compile the most recent research on how plant-based compounds/nano-formulations can combat RA with minimal or no adverse effects. Methods: Databases including Google, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Research Gate have been looked through for potentially existing research with the goal of discovering the latest progress on multiple viewpoints of phyto-compounds over RA. Results: In order to decrease the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, many phyto-compounds have been reported that regulate cell cycle arrest, FLS proliferation, autophagy, apoptosis, and numerous signaling pathways. Also, the therapeutic difficulties and clinical usefulness of nano-delivery systems are investigated. Conclusions: A tailored approach for treating inflamed tissue may possibly improve the therapeutic efficacy of the drug while reducing its systemic adverse effects. Additionally, the growing herbal revolution has led to the invention of new methods for delivering poorly soluble herbal bioactives and plant extracts to improve their efficacy at targeted inflamed synovial sites.