Plant-derived Bioactive Substances with Anti-rheumatoid Arthritis Properties

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the accumulation of synovial fluid in joints, synovial inflammation, and cartilage damage. With the development of the disease, it may result in joint deformity, which affects the normal joint function of patients and seriously endangers peopleʼs life and health. According to statistics, the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis increases with age. However, there is currently no drug that can completely cure rheumatoid arthritis; only through certain drugs and measures can the progression of the disease be delayed. Plant-derived bioactive substances have garnered extensive research attention for their therapeutic potential in treating various diseases. Studies have shown that plant-derived bioactive substances play an important role in preventing rheumatoid arthritis. This review comprehensively and systematically evaluates plant-derived bioactive substances with anti-arthritic properties, specifically focusing on bioactive substances including flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenes, alkaloids, phenols, quinones, and phenylpropanoids, and elucidates their mechanisms of action to provide reference for the prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.