Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of the immune system where proinflammatory mediators produce inflammation, swelling, and pain in joints and
muscles. Continuous progression may cause damage to articular cartilages, joint tissue,
and decaying of bones, which may ultimately lead to disability or mortality. Prevention
of the progression of rheumatoid arthritis is a severe challenge for the medical system
and scientific community. The present pharmaceutical intervention comprises
NSAIDS, steroids, and disease-modifying anti-arthritic drugs (DMARDs). Medical
interventions, like surgery and knee replacement, are also available. These synthetic
drugs are accompanied by several adverse effects ranging from acute to chronic ones.
The use of natural products is an important alternative for the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis. Plants, microbes, and other natural sources involve vital bioactive molecules,
which are being employed in the treatment of several diseases. Plant-derived bioactive
molecules, like boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, guggulsterone, curcuminoids,
etc., are promising components, serving as a therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. These
bioactive molecules have been evaluated for their effects on rheumatoid arthritis using
different screening methods, and they have shown prospective results. Many plant
extracts have been used to halt the disease progression, and promising results have
been recorded. Bioactive molecules produced by microorganisms are potential
candidates to be used in rheumatoid arthritis, and few microorganisms could be used
directly as probiotics to combat the altered immune system. These microbes secrete
numerous chemicals into the gut of the host, which are responsible for inhibiting the
pro-inflammatory mediators, and helping to prevent the disease.
Keywords: Anti-inflammatory, Auto-immune, Bioactive molecules, Inflammation, Microorganisms, Plants products, Probiotics, Pro-inflammatory, Rheumatoid arthritis.
