Phytoconstituents responsible for anti-inflammatory activity

Abstract

Infl ammation is the response of an organism's immune system to the damage caused to its cells and vascularized tissues by microbial pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, as well as by injurious chemicals or physical insults. Although painful, infl ammation is usually a healing response, but in some instances infl ammation proceeds to a chronic state, associated with debilitating diseases such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or even cancer. Although several anti-infl ammatory drugs are available, the treatment of infl ammation is still far from adequate. The current therapy of infl ammation with modern anti-infl ammatory drugs is associated with side effects and drug interactions. Several plants used for the treatment of infl ammation in different systems of traditional medicine have shown anti-infl ammatory activity in experimental animal models and many such plants claimed in the traditional system still remain to be scientifi cally investigated. In this review, we have compiled the newer reported herbal anti-infl ammatory constituents with their research advancements.