Submission Tilte
Novel Herbal Therapeutics and Smart Drug Delivery Strategies in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Synergy of Phytomedicine and Pharmaceutical Innovation
Submission Abstract:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation, pain, and disability, affecting millions globally. While synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics have improved management, challenges persist regarding toxicity, resistance, and cost. This thematic issue will focus on novel herbal formulations, optimized excipients, and innovative dosage forms developed for the treatment of RA. It will comprehensively review advances in phytoconstituent-based therapeutics, nanocarrier delivery systems, phytosomes, and hydrogel-based formulations that enhance drug stability, bioavailability, and targeted efficacy. Emphasis will be placed on translational insights linking preclinical innovation to clinical applicability, along with quality control, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory aspects of herbal nanomedicines. This issue aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration between pharmacognosy, formulation science, and rheumatology to shape next-generation therapeutic paradigms for autoimmune disorders.