Natural Products in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Potential

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-lasting autoimmune condition that leads to painful joint inflammation, an increase in synovial tissue, and the breakdown of cartilage, all of which can greatly diminish a person’s quality of life. While traditional treatments like disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologics can be effective, they often come with serious side effects. On the contrary, natural products hold great promise as complementary or alternative treatments for RA, as they can target various inflammatory and autoimmune pathways. This review delves into the mechanisms and therapeutic benefits of several natural products, such as curcumin, boswellic acids, resveratrol, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.