Beneficial Therapy with Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agents and Supplements

Abstract

Inflammation is a protective mechanism against injury or tissue damage. Depending on the extent of inflammation, various disease conditions can be induced. The incidence of inflammatory diseases has increased in recent years; synthetic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids are usually used to treat this condition. Synthetic NSAIDs cause side effects; thus, natural medicines may be effective alternatives. Many natural anti-inflammatory agents and supplements are currently available, including natural anti-inflammatory polysaccharides, green tea, curcumin, colchicine, stingless bee honey, capsaicin, monoterpene kaempferol, omega-3 fatty acids, certain vitamins, minerals, and others. The mechanisms of action of these natural anti-inflammatory agents and supplements are very similar to those of synthetic anti-inflammatory agents, exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity mainly through inhibiting actions of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and chemokines. In addition, some natural antiinflammatory agents inhibit the action of cyclooxygenase enzymes (mainly COX2), inducible nitric oxide (iNOS), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nuclear factorkappa B (NF-κB) signaling molecules. Although the effectiveness of these natural anti-inflammatory agents and supplements is similar to that of chemical NSAIDs and steroids, they are safer to use. The purpose of this review is to summarize existing research data and discuss the activity of natural anti-inflammatory agents and supplements.