Comprehensive Review: - Therapeutic Potential of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and Calotropis gigantea in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent synovial inflammation, cartilage destruction, joint deformity, pain, and reduced quality of life. Conventional therapies including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs provide symptomatic relief but are often associated with significant adverse effects during long-term use. Therefore, increasing attention has been directed toward herbal medicines possessing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties for safer and effective management of rheumatoid arthritis.Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and Calotropis gigantea are important medicinal plants widely used in traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. This review comprehensively evaluates their phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, and therapeutic potential in rheumatoid arthritis. Various bioactive constituents including flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, iridoids, tannins, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and cardiac glycosides have been reported from these plants and are responsible for significant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects. Experimental studies demonstrate that these plants inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduce oxidative stress, suppress inflammatory mediators, and protect against cartilage and joint damage. Additionally, both plants exhibit analgesic and immunomodulatory activities that may contribute to improved management of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.The findings of the present review suggest that Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and Calotropis gigantea possess promising therapeutic potential as alternative or complementary agents in rheumatoid arthritis treatment. However, further clinical studies, toxicity evaluations, and standardization of herbal formulations are required to establish their safety, efficacy, and future pharmaceutical applications in rheumatoid arthritis management