Indigenous Medicinal Plants Based Remedies in Management of Arthritis by <i>Irula</i> Tribals of Tamil Nadu – A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune illness that causes joint dysfunction, and antibodies directed against self-neoepitopes. Globally more than 350 million peoples have arthritis and it is the second most rheumatological problem with a prevalence of 22% to 39% in India reported by World Health Organization. Considering the numerous synthetic therapeutic strategies that target immune cells and cytokines but drug administration of allopathic anti-arthritic medicaments is still difficult because of the persistent hazardous consequences. Presently, the use of medicinal plants as a trustworthy source of new therapy has become more popular due to the numerous side effects of synthetic drugs. One of the most significant foes in modern medicine, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs creates huge impact on human health, high influence on living quality and has significant economic implications. National Biopharma Mission primarily focus on the development of Bio-Therapeutics to achieve the sustainable health. According to the estimations based on various literatures, Fabaceae is the most significant herbal family which includes a vast range of plants having biological and therapeutic uses. This study presents the extensive knowledge about arthritis, immunomodulatory mechanism and existing drugs and therapies. The analgesic activity, potential active chemicals from the Fabaceae genus, as well as potential mechanisms of action for these plants are studied. The scientific information and evidences presented in this review paper is crucial for determining the precise effects of Fabaceae plants on pain modulation especially for arthritic pain and anti-inflammatory properties. This could be used to separate potentially active compounds from some of these medicinal plants in the future and create synthetic therapeutics.