AUTHOR=Yu Liqiong , Li Shiling , Pu Lili , Yang Chunhong , Shi Qian , Zhao Qi , Meniga Shengbu , Liu Yue , Zhang Yi , Lai Xianrong 

TITLE=Traditional Tibetan medicine: therapeutic potential in rheumatoid arthritis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.938915

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2022.938915

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=<p>Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a severe inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by the failed spontaneous resolution of inflammation. The induction of immune regulation and resolution of inflammatory pathways are effective in alleviating inflammation in RA. As the oldest medical system in the world, traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) has a long history of preventing and treating RA. This review provides a comprehensive overview of medicinal plants with anti-RA activity in the TTM system, using classic books of Tibetan medicine, modern research literature, and drug standards. A total of 27 species have been found to be effective in treating RA, including <italic>Tinospora sinensis</italic> (Lour.) Merr., <italic>Terminalia chehula</italic> Retz., <italic>P. hookeri</italic> (C. B. Clarke) Hock.), and <italic>Aconitum pendulum</italic> Busch. Alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and terpenoids have turned out to be the major bioactive components for RA treatment. The inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression by mediating the NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT pathways is the core mechanism in RA treatment. In conclusion, this review provides key information and research perspectives for further research on the anti-RA effects of TTM.</p>