Anti-Inflammatory Herbs in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Mechanistic In Vitro Studies and Translational Potential

Key anti-inflammatory herbal compounds—curcumin, curcumin analogues, resveratrol, boswellic acids derived from Boswellia serrata, and Tripterygium wilfordii extracts—are reviewed in this study, together with mechanistic in vitro data and translational implications, for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This research provides a summary of their molecular processes, which include cytokine suppression, NF-κB inhibition, antioxidant action, and immunological modulation, based solely on recent systematic reviews, meta-analyses, preclinical evaluations, and randomized trials. Emerging clinical translation in autoimmune illnesses and osteoarthritis is supported by good molecular evidence for these herbs, especially curcumin, resveratrol, and boswellic acids. Bioavailability, consistent dosage, and long-term safety are still areas where research is lacking in RA. Optimized formulations, high-quality RA-specific clinical studies, and mechanistic validation through in vitro disease models should be the priorities of future research.