Anti-Inflammatory Compounds in Medicinal Plant Systems
Summary
Plants have long provided a rich source of anti-inflammatory agents, spanning diverse chemical classes such as flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins and phenolic acids. These natural products exert their effects by modulating key signalling pathways—most notably inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suppression of the NF-κB transcriptional cascade, downregulation of cyclooxygenase and inducible nitric oxide synthase, and scavenging of reactive oxygen species. Ethnopharmacological traditions across Asia, Africa and Europe have identified hundreds of species with empirical efficacy in treating pain, swelling and chronic inflammatory disorders. Modern phytochemical and analytical advances now permit the standardisation and quantification of bioactive constituents, supporting reproducible dosing and quality control. Efforts to enhance bioavailability through novel formulations—such as nanoparticle encapsulation and polymeric hydrogels—have improved transdermal and oral delivery profiles. Ongoing research seeks to elucidate synergistic interactions between multiple plant metabolites and to integrate botanical extracts into evidence-based regimens. The global burden of inflammatory diseases, from arthritis to metabolic syndrome, underscores the practical importance of translating traditional remedies into validated therapeutic options with well-defined mechanisms of action.
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Anti-Inflammatory Compounds in Medicinal Plant Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in anti-inflammatory compounds in medicinal plant systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Sesquiterpene lactones: Terpenoid compounds with a 15-carbon skeleton and lactone ring that exhibit anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities.
Cytokines: Small protein mediators, such as TNF-α and IL-6, that regulate immune cell communication and inflammatory responses.
NF-κB: A transcription factor central to the expression of genes encoding pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
UPLC/MS-MS: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for high-resolution separation and quantification of phytochemicals.
Hydrogel patch: A hydrated polymeric matrix designed for sustained transdermal delivery of bioactive plant extracts.
References
- Method development and validation for the extraction and quantification of sesquiterpene lactones in Dolomiaea costus. Ultrasonics Sonochemistry (2024).
- The traditional uses, pharmacology, and phytochemistry of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2024).
- Anti-Inflammatory and Pain-Relieving Effects of Arnica Extract Hydrogel Patch in Carrageenan-Induced Inflammation and Hot Plate Pain Models. Pharmaceutics (2025).
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