Pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and herbal interventions for rheumatoid arthritis: A review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder primarily targeting synovial joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and progressive joint destruction. The disease is driven by proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, which promote synovial inflammation and cartilage degradation. RA affects not only the joints but also other organs, contributing to systemic complications such as cardiovascular disease, anemia, and osteoporosis. Despite the availability of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologics, their efficacy is often incomplete and frequently accompanied by adverse effects and high costs. This study presents a detailed overview of the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic strategies, and current treatment modalities of RA, emphasizing herbal medicine as a complementary approach. Botanicals with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties offer promising adjunctive benefits in RA management. Natural products such as Curcuma longa, Aloe barbadensis, and Zingiber officinale exhibit significant potential to reduce inflammation, modulate cytokine production, and improve patient outcomes. This review highlights the therapeutic promise of integrating herbal remedies with conventional pharmacological therapies, promoting a more holistic, effective, and safer management of RA.