Category:Anti-inflammatory herbs

An anti-inflammatory herb is a plant medicine used to suppress inflammation, whether of joints, skin, gastrointestinal tract, or other system. The category sits at the intersection of herbal medicines and the broader anti-inflammatories umbrella, with substantial overlap in clinical mechanism.

The foundational anti-inflammatory herbs of modern Western use include turmeric (Curcuma longa), whose curcuminoid fraction (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin) inhibits cyclooxygenase-2, lipoxygenase, NF-κB-mediated transcription, and several inflammatory cytokine pathways; controlled-trial evidence supports modest benefit in osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis, and selected dermatologic indications. Boswellia (Boswellia serrata), the Ayurvedic frankincense, contains the boswellic acids whose 5-lipoxygenase inhibition produces a leukotriene-selective anti-inflammatory mechanism distinct from that of the NSAIDs; controlled-trial evidence supports its use in osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Willow bark (Salix alba and related species), the original aspirin (described in detail under non-opioid analgesics for its 1763-onwards history), retains use as a herbal anti-inflammatory in osteoarthritis with controlled-trial evidence comparable to low-dose NSAID. Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), the African medicine, has substantial European controlled-trial evidence in osteoarthritis through harpagoside-mediated COX inhibition. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has modest anti-inflammatory activity through its gingerol and shogaol fractions, with controlled-trial evidence in osteoarthritis.

The TCM anti-inflammatory tradition contributes Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis; Huang Qin), whose baicalin and baicalein inhibit multiple inflammatory pathways; rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa); and the classical formula Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang for chronic joint inflammation. The Ayurvedic tradition adds guggul (Commiphora wightii) for joint inflammation, with controlled-trial evidence for selected use. The European traditions contribute meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), the salicylate-and-tannin combination that is gastrically gentler than isolated aspirin; nettle leaf (Urtica dioica) with its histamine and 5-HT modulation; and black currant seed oil (Ribes nigrum) with its omega-6 GLA content.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), boswellia (Boswellia serrata), willow bark (Salix alba), devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), ginger (Zingiber officinale; cross-listed), Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), guggul (Commiphora wightii), rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), nettle (Urtica dioica), pineapple stem (Ananas comosus; the bromelain enzyme source), Indian frankincense, the Boswellia carteri / sacra of the Unani tradition (cross-listed), capsicum / cayenne (Capsicum annuum and C. frutescens; topical capsaicin for inflammatory pain), and selected resin-bearing plants (myrrh Commiphora myrrha, mastic Pistacia lentiscus).

The boundary of this category is "herb whose principal or important indication is anti-inflammatory." The pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs, systemic and topical corticosteroids, DMARDs, biologics) are listed under their primary umbrellas; the herbal interest is in alternative or adjunctive use, particularly for patients with NSAID intolerance or with chronic-low-grade inflammation indications. Herbs whose anti-inflammatory action is incidental to a broader indication (chamomile for digestive use, calendula for dermatologic use) are listed under their primary categories.

This category page is an encyclopedia article about its subject. The actual index of herbs belonging to the category is generated automatically by the wiki engine, from category-membership declarations on the individual herb pages, and appears at the foot of the page below the references.