Medicinal Plants as a Source of Anti-Inflammatory Molecules

Year 2026, Volume: 7 Issue: 2, 35 - 48, 09.03.2026

Idir Moualek , Karima Benarab , Abderrahmane Ameur , Nacer Eddine Messahel , Si Ammar Kadi , Mouhous Azedine , Rabia Cherfouh , Farid Djellal , Ali Bouzourene , Karim Houali

https://doi.org/10.55549/zbs.1873328

https://izlik.org/JA45MS66YW

Abstract

Inflammation is a complex biological response essential for defense and tissue repair, yet chronic inflammation underlies numerous debilitating diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Conventional treatments such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids are limited by significant adverse effects, driving the search for safer and more effective alternatives. Medicinal plants represent a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds with potent anti-inflammatory properties, historically utilized in traditional medicine systems worldwide. This chapter comprehensively examines medicinal plants as valuable sources of anti-inflammatory molecules, elucidating their mechanisms of action, key species, and associated bioactive compounds. Plant-derived phytochemicals, including flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and polyphenols, modulate inflammation through multiple complementary pathways. These mechanisms include inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, suppression of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) transcription factor, antioxidant activity, cytokine modulation, and emerging pathways involving microbiome interactions and epigenetic regulation. Notable examples include Salix alba (salicin), Curcuma longa (curcumin), Boswellia serrata (boswellic acids), Arnica montana (sesquiterpene lactones), and Scutellaria baicalensis (baicalin), each targeting specific inflammatory mediators with often superior safety profiles compared to synthetic drugs. The review highlights the advantages of the multi-target and synergistic approaches inherent in plant extracts, which offer comprehensive anti-inflammatory effects with reduced toxicity. However, challenges such as standardization of bioactive compounds, poor bioavailability (e.g., of curcumin), potential pro-oxidant effects at high concentrations, and the need for rigorous clinical validation remain significant hurdles. Future research directions include the identification of novel bioactive molecules through metabolomics, development of synergistic formulations and advanced delivery systems (e.g., nanoformulations), and exploration of epigenetic and microbiome-mediated mechanisms. In conclusion, integrating traditional ethnopharmacological knowledge with modern scientific research holds immense potential for developing effective, safer anti-inflammatory therapies, underscoring the importance of preserving plant biodiversity and advancing phytopharmaceutical research.

Keywords

Medicinal Plants , Anti-Inflammatory Molecules , Phytochemicals , Inflammation Mechanisms , NF-κB , COX Inhibition , Bioavailability , Synergistic Effects , Herbal Medicine , Plant-Derived Therapeutics

Ethical Statement

This manuscript is a comprehensive narrative review of existing scientific literature. It does not report any original experimental research involving human or animal subjects.

Supporting Institution

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Project Number

2026.alpha

Thanks

Not applicable.

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