Anti-inflammatory activity of medicinal plants native to Bangladesh: A review.

Inflammation is characterized by redness, pain and swelling. Anti-inflammatory drugs are agents that reduce inflammation. It has been found that conventional synthetic NSAIDs accelerate damage and erosion of joint cartilage, advancing the osteoarthritis process. These NSAIDs are also known to cause liver and kidney damage with long-term use. Experimental research have shown that the use of proven natural anti-inflammatory herbal agents have not been shown to cause erosion injury to the intestinal tract, acceleration of cartilage destruction or production of liver and kidney toxicities. This enables practitioners to use these substances in a safe and responsible way. In this overview the medicinal plants reported to have antiinflammatory activity available in Bangladesh are summarized to assess the research advancements.