Nutraceutical Management Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a multifactorial autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, primarily affecting the joint, and then extra articular manifestation can occur. The people are predominantly affected by rheumatoid arthritis between the age of 20-60 years with an unpredictable course. In 2020, an estimated 17.6 million (95% uncertainly interval (15.8-20.3) people had rheumatoid arthritis worldwide. Womens are highly affected by rheumatoid arthritis when compared to the men. Because of two main reasons-sex hormones and strong evidence to infections, vaccinations and environmental triggers. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint, but it is usually found in metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joint as well as in writsts and knee. It is characterized by persistent inflammation that primarily affects the peripheral joints. Disease modifying anti- rheumatoid drugs, steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to control the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. There are range of drugs that can treat rheumatoid arthritis, they can all have significant side effect. The side effects are gastro intestinal tract problems, bleeding, high blood pressure, weight gain, high blood sugar and decreased bone health and liver damage. Food is a rich source of antioxidants and anti inflammatory bioactive constituents including phenolic compounds polyunsaturated ,fatty acids, phytosterol, tocopherols and carotenoids.The majority of nutraceutical studies posses beneficial effect toward chronic inflammatory disease, which might be due to the presence of one or more phytochemical. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant nutraceuticals may serve as complimentary medicine for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.