Curcumin and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Immunomodulatory imbalance is the characteristic feature of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). T helper (Th) 17 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of RA. The balance of Th1 and Th17 is important for normal immune response. In RA therapy methotrexate (MTX) has an important use depending on its anti-inflammatory effects however is limited due to its side effects. Curcumin is a natural plant product used as an immunomodulator. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of curcumin and MTX administration singly or combined on a rat model with collagen-induced arthritis.