Author(s) :

Aiman Irfan, Javeria, Tasawar Iqbal, Sidra Altaf.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The parasitic plant, Hydnora africana, termed "jackal food," has been included in various African ethnomedicines for the treatment of several diseases, amongst them rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study, therefore, tries to assess the bioactive constituents and mechanisms of action in a bid to rationalize this perceived therapeutic potential of the subject in the treatment of RA. The preliminary investigation indicated that the plant might be very effective in the management of RA due to its analgesic, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory potential. Flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and tannins were detected by phytochemical screening; all act to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Secondly, its antioxidative property could reduce oxidative stress that increases the risk of pathophysiology in RA. Therefore, more studies should be conducted on the therapeutic and clinical effects in order to obtain the safe and efficacious status of this plant, though positive traditional use and early scientific data are available. Hydnora africana's potential for treating RA highlights the need for further study on natural anti-arthritic treatments.

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