Análise do uso de substâncias naturais de origem vegetal como potenciais tratamentos da artrite reumatoide: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease with an unknown origin. The use of allopathic alternatives decreases inflammation and prevents damage to joint tissues, yet it presents various adverse effects. In this regard, products derived from medicinal plants exhibit good effectiveness and low cost, serving as promising alternatives for developing new treatment modalities. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review on extracts and isolated substances from medicinal plants used for treating rheumatoid arthritis in in vivo experimental models. This is a systematic review conducted through searches between June 26th and 27th, 2023. Articles published in English from January 1st, 2021, to December 31st, 2021, were searched across the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science platforms. As a result, 27 studies using extracts showed positive outcomes in regulating pro-inflammatory serum cytokines involved in RA, whereas 28 studies using isolated substances from medicinal plants displayed similar results. Specifically, 9 extracts decreased cytokine concentration with an anti-inflammatory profile, and 6 isolated substances demonstrated the same outcome. Lastly, 10 extracts and 5 isolated substances led to the modulation of hematological parameters, while 20 extracts and 7 isolated substances showed improvement in biochemical parameters. The findings suggest that the natural substances of plant origin analyzed could potentially serve as substitutes for conventional therapy for this pathology. However, further studies are necessary for standardizing and consolidating these new treatments.