Phytochemicals and Novel Nanotherapeutic Approaches in the Management of Rheumatic Diseases

Over 100 types of arthritis have been recognized in which the dominating forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Joint stiffness, pain, swelling, lowered range of motion of joints affected, redness around joints are the main complications of almost all types of arthritis. Medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants are only used to control the symptoms of the disease but are not able to alleviate them properly. However, with the incorporation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) as well as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) in treatment, there are now promising therapeutic options to select from for the management of rheumatoid diseases. Nanotherapeutic approach has enabled us to deliver the disease-modifying agents directly to the inflammation site, thus eschewing off-target and unwanted systemic effects. Therefore, it provides an opportunity to reconsider the therapeutic compounds that were considered too toxic to be administrated via oral or parenteral route.