Secondary metabolites as anti-inflammatory agents

Abstract

Inflammation is a complex pathophysiological process mediated by a variety of signaling molecules and can be classified as either acute or chronic. Anti inflammatory drugs are broadly classified into two categories: Steroidal and Non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) some of them are no longer used due to their severe adverse effects. Traditionally, people have been using powerful anti-inflammatory plants for thousands of years as part of their diet and pharmaceutical arsenal, and secondary compounds derived from these plants may offer important sources of anti-inflammatory agents.