Therapeutic Potential of Phytochemicals in Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review
Manju Bhaiyalal Shahare *
Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Panvel, Maharashtra, India.
Shriyans Reddy Yendreddy
Department of Biotechnology, GITAM School of Technology, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Gandhi Nagar, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Murshidha Shireen
Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha College of Pharmacy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Bhavit Bansal
Department of Research, Sant Hirdaram Medical College of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences for Women, Bhopal, India.
Kezia William
Department of Pharmacy Practice, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Yatindra Kumar
Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Panvel, Maharashtra, India.
Sauvit S Patil
Department of Life Sciences, Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, Affiliated to University of Mumbai, India.
Hridya Ramesh
Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Panvel, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are a significant clinical challenge worldwide. Traditional treatments often have adverse effects, leading to a growing interest in alternative therapies. This systematic review attempts a qualitatively synthesize of current evidence on the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals in autoimmune diseases. The review includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clinical trials (CTs) and observational studies published between 2013 to 2023. Databases searched include PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). A total of 676 studies were retrieved from various databases. We followed the PICO framework to develop the review protocol and registered on the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY) with registration number INPLASY202460031.
In the context of rheumatoid arthritis, eight potential phytochemicals have been identified, including sinomenine, curcumin, flavonol quercetin, eichhornia crassipes, apocynin, β-sitosterol, tanshinone IIA, and 3′3-diindolylmethane (DIM). For multiple sclerosis, five phytochemicals - berberine, 23-Hydroxy Ursolic Acid (23-OH UA), forskolin, sulforaphane (SFN), and moringin - have shown effectiveness. Flavonol quercetin and portulaca oleracea exhibit potential for treating type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, curcumin and quercetin have demonstrated potential activity against oral lichen planus (OLP). Anatabine has shown effectiveness against Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, while thuja occidentalis is a potential option for the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Additionally, agave tequilana shows potential efficacy against Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). These natural compounds offer promising alternative or adjunctive treatments with fewer adverse effects compared to conventional therapies. Nevertheless, rigorous clinical validation is necessary to translate these findings into clinical practice and establish standardized guidelines for their use in autoimmune disease management.
Keywords: Autoimmune diseases, phytochemicals, clinical trials, In vitro animal studies, systematic review