Herbal Medicines as Anti-Inflammatory Agents: A Comprehensive Review

Inflammation is a fundamental biological response triggered by harmful stimuli, including pathogens, damaged tissues, or irritants. Although acute inflammation is a protective process necessary for tissue repair and immune defense, persistent or chronic inflammation is associated with a wide range of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Conventional anti-inflammatory therapies, including corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are commonly used but are often limited by adverse effects and long-term toxicity. As a result, increasing attention has been directed toward herbal medicines as potential alternatives or complementary agents for managing inflammation. Herbal remedies have been traditionally employed in various medicinal systems like Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Unani. These natural therapies contain bioactive Phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and polyphones that exert anti-inflammatory effects through multiple mechanisms. These include inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes (e.g., COX, LOX), modulation of cytokine production, and suppression of inflammatory signaling pathways like NF-κB and MAPKs. This review explores several prominent medicinal plants—including Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Boswellia serrata, and Withania somnifera—focusing on their phytochemical profiles, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential.