Comparative Evaluation of Polyherbal Formulations in Chronic Inflammatory Disorders

Abstract

Chronic inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis are persistent and debilitating conditions with limited long-term therapeutic options. Conventional pharmacological therapies often provide symptomatic relief but are accompanied by significant side effects and limited efficacy in certain patient populations. Recently, there has been growing interest in polyherbal formulations—combinations of multiple plant-derived extracts—due to their synergistic effects, holistic approach, and reduced toxicity. This study reviews and compares several clinically tested polyherbal formulations with known anti-inflammatory properties to evaluate their efficacy and pharmacological potential. Phytochemical profiling, in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, and clinical outcomes are critically analyzed. The findings suggest that polyherbal combinations, especially those containing herbs such as Curcuma longa, Withania somnifera, and Boswellia serrata, exhibit substantial potential in modulating inflammatory pathways, particularly through inhibition of cytokines, COX-2, and NF-κB. These results underscore the need for further clinical trials and standardization protocols to harness polyherbal therapies as adjunct or alternative treatments in chronic inflammation.