Molecular Targets and Natural Compounds in Drug Development for the Treatment of Inflammatory Pain

This chapter explores therapeutic targets and the anti-inflammatory nature of some naturally- occurring compounds and the current or potential use of these compounds in the treatment of chronic inflammatory pain states. We will review the mechanisms of chronic inflammatory pain, the molecular targets of selected natural compounds in inhibiting inflammatory pain, and the traditional and current approaches to treating pain using these compounds. Previous research on experimental as well as clinical pain will be summarized from in vitro to animal and human models. Potential areas for further research will also be discussed.