Herbal oil for arthritis: A review

*Corresponding author: Archana Kulkarni Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0. Herbal oil for arthritis: A review Hrutuja Ravindra Raut 1, Ram Devidas Sabbanwar 1, Aditya Ganesh Sadedar 1 and Archana Kajale-Kulkarni 2, * 1 Bachelor of Pharmacy, faculty of Science and Technology, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amaravati. 2 P. Wadhwani Collage of Pharmacy, Yavatmal. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 233-247 Publication history: Received on 06 September 2025; revised on 13 October 2025; accepted on 16 October 2025 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjbphs.2025.24.1.0903 Abstract Arthritis is a chronic and progressive musculoskeletal disorder characterized by persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation, leading to functional disability and reduced quality of life. Among its different types, osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the most prevalent forms and contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. Other less common types include psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), gout, pseudogout (calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease – CPPD), septic arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).Conventional treatment strategies, including the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and diseasemodifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), provide symptomatic relief but are often associated with major drawbacks such as gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular adverse effects, high cost of therapy, and limited long-term efficacy. These limitations have stimulated growing interest in safer and more sustainable therapeutic alternatives. Herbal oils have gained increasing attention in recent years as promising complementary options for arthritis management owing to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities. These formulations are prepared using diverse techniques including Soxhlet extraction, maceration, blending with carrier oils, and classical Ayurvedic preparations such as Pinda Taila and Mahanarayan Taila, which enhance penetration and bioavailability of active constituents through topical application. Reported advantages of herbal oils include reduction in joint pain and stiffness, improvement in mobility, cost-effectiveness, and better tolerability compared to long-term use of synthetic drugs. Overall, herbal oils represent a promising and safer adjunctive therapy for arthritis management. Keywords: Arthritis, Herbal oils; Analgesics/therapeutic use; Anti-inflammatory; Complementary therapy; Topical application; Safer adjunctive therapy 1. Introduction Arthritis is a prevailing chronic health issue and a major contributor to disability. The Greek word “arthritis” is derived from the root words “arthron” and “ites” meaning “inflammation of joints”. Arthritis is a long-term, inflammatory, systemic autoimmune disease that causes stiffness, swelling and pain in the joints. Arthritis is the medical term for swelling or inflammation of the joints. It depicts various ailments that have an impact on connective tissues, joints, and surrounding tissues. [1] 1.1. Types of Arthritis – Definitions, Causes, Symptoms: - [2-9] •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) •Osteoarthritis (OA) •Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) •Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 233-247 234 • Gout • Pseudogout (Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease – CPPD) • Septic Arthritis • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Table 1 Types, Definitions, Causes, Symptoms of Arthritis Sr. No . Type of Arthritis Definition Causes Symptoms Image 1 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder that targets synovial joints, causing pannus, cartilage destruction, and bone erosion; symmetrical involvement. • Autoimmune dysregulation (Tcell, B-cell, TNF-α, IL-6) • Genetic predisposition (HLA-DRB1) • Smoking, infections • Hormonal factors (common in women) • Symmetrica l polyarthriti s • Morning stiffness >1 hr. • Swelling, tenderness, warmth • Fatigue, fever, weight loss • Nodules, lung/eye issues 2 Osteoarthrit is (OA) Degenerative joint disease with cartilage loss, subchondral bone remodeling, osteophytes; noninflammatory, agerelated. • Aging, wear & tear • Obesity • Repetitive strain/trauma • Genetic factors • Metabolic syndrome • Pain ↑ with activity, ↓ with rest • Morning stiffness <30 min • Crepitus • Limited movement • Bony enlargemen ts (Heberden’s , Bouchard’s) 3 Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Chronic immunemediated arthritis linked to psoriasis; seronegative spondyloarthropat hy. • Autoimmune dysregulation • Genetic (HLAB27, HLA-Cw6) • Environmental triggers • Pre-existing psoriasis • Asymmetric oligoarthriti s • Dactylitis (“sausage digits”) • Enthesitis • Nail pitting, onycholysis • Spinal involvemen t World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 233-247 235 4 Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Chronic inflammatory arthritis of sacroiliac joints & spine → stiffness, “bamboo spine.” • Genetic (HLAB27, ERAP1) • IL-17/TNF dysregulation • Gut microbiome • Low back pain better with activity • ↓ spinal mobility • Hip/should er arthritis • Uveitis, IBD, cardiac issues 5 Gout Crystal-induced arthritis from urate crystal deposition due to hyperuricemia. • Hyperuricemia • High purine diet • Obesity, metabolic syndrome • Renal impairment • Drugs (diuretics, cyclosporine) • Acute pain (big toe – podagra) • Redness, swelling, warmth • Tophi (chronic) • Kidney stones 6 Pseudogout (CPPD) Arthritis from calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition in cartilage/synovium . • Aging • Metabolic disorders • Trauma/surgery • Genetic predisposition • Sudden swelling (knee, wrist, large joints) • OA/RAlike chronic pain • Limited mobility • Rhomboid crystals in synovial fluid 7 Septic Arthritis Acute bacterial/viral/fun gal joint infection → rapid destruction; medical emergency. • Hematogenous spread • Trauma, surgery, injections • Diabetes, RA, immunosuppressi on • Severe pain, swelling, warmth • Fever, systemic infection • Restricted motion • Purulent synovial fluid, ↑WBC 8 Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Chronic arthritis of unknown cause, starting <16 yrs, lasting ≥6 weeks. • Autoimmune dysregulation • Genetic predisposition • Infections, stress • Joint pain, stiffness, swelling • Fever & rash (systemic JIA) • Uveitis • Growth disturbance World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 233-247 236 s & deformities Herbal oil: Herbal oils are emerging as natural alternatives due to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. Oils like ginger, lavender, black cumin seed, and basil have shown benefits in reducing pain and improving mobility in arthritis patients. These oils are often applied topically or used in massage therapy, offering potential relief with fewer adverse effects. [10] Figure 1 Arthritis Roll-On Arthritis is a painful swelling of joints and it is a common disease affecting large population. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are most common. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease occurring chiefly in older people and rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology. In complementary and alternative medicines such as Ayurvedic (herbs) are most commonly used for the treatment of many systemic disorders. 1.2. Arthritis is most common in the following areas of the body- • Feet • Hands • Hips • Knees Usually, when a bone moves or twists on similar pieces to maintain the functional flexibility, it is then characterized as a joint. During movement the ligaments act as elastic bands to help keep the bones in the same place. Under all situations whether in resting or moving, ligaments always hold them at the same place. Cartilage tissue covers the bone surfaces to prevent from direct rubbing thus smoothens the limb movement without causing pain or bone erosion due to friction. The cavity inside the joint is filled with synovial fluid produced by the cells from the synovial membrane which is aligned with the ligaments within the joint cavity. In case of arthritis, primarily the suffering starts due to faulty joints. [11] Herbal oils are traditional cosmetic aids and herbal remedies used to nourish and revitalize the skin and treat skin conditions. Beneficial effects are achieved through the combination of nutrients, antioxidants and bio stimulants extracts from herbs with vegetable oil. Herbal oil extracts are produced by repetitive extraction of raw herbs into vegetable oils in conditions optimized for preservation of herbal antioxidants, stimulants and nutrients. The process is similar to the one used for alcohol extracts, only vegetable oil is used instead of alcohol. However, herbal oils utilized in traditional herbal medicine are all obtained with vegetable oil extraction, the only available method at those times. [12] World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 233-247 237 Figure 2 Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. Osteoarthritis Joint Pain by Beth Levine 1.3. Advantages of Herbal Oils • Significantly reduces knee joint pain in osteoarthritis patients. • Helps decrease stiffness and improves joint mobility. • Enhances physical function and walking ability. • Produces a soothing and warming effect after application. • Found to be safe and well tolerated with no serious adverse effects. [13] • Anti-inflammatory and Pain-Relieving Action. • Safer Alternative to Long-Term NSAIDs. [14] 1.4. Disadvantages of Herbal Oils • Lack of standardized formulations makes results inconsistent across studies. • Most trials are small and short-term, limiting reliability of findings. • Insufficient safety data on long-term use and possible side effects. • Reported improvements may be influenced by placebo effects or massage itself. • Quality control issues exist due to unregulated herbal oil preparations. [15] • Skin Irritation & Hypersensitivity • Improper Use Increases Risk • Myth of “Natural = Safe”. [16] 2. Herbal drugs commonly used in the preparation of oils for arthritis 2.1. Ashwagandha • Biological Name: Withania somnifera Linn. • Common Name: Winter cherry, withania root • Family: Solanaceae plant. The roots of Ashwagandha have been employed in Indian traditional systems of medicine, Ayurveda and Unani. It grows in dry parts in sub-tropical regions, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The pharmacological activity of the root is attributed to the alkaloids and steroidals lactones. Among the alkaloids, withanine, withanine, pseudo-withanine, tropine, pseudo-tropine, somniferine, somnine are mainly present. Two acyl glucosides viz sitoindoside-7 and sitoindoside-8 have been isolated from roots. The plant has been used as an aphrodisiac, liver tonic, anti-inflammatory agent, and more recently to treat asthma, ulcers, insomnia, and senile dementia. Clinical trials and animal research support the use of Ashwagandha for anxiety, neurological disorders, inflammation, and Parkinson's disease. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 233-247 238 2.2. Shallaki • Biological Name: Boswellia serrata Linn. • Common Name: Boswellia/Indian Frankincense • Family: Burseraceae Boswellia serrata Linn., is a moderate to large branching tree found in India, Northern Africa, and the middle east. In India it is found in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Strips of boswellia bark are peeled away, yielding a gummy-oleo resins. It contains β – boswellic acid in resin portion, which has shown anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic and antiarthritic activities. Extract of this gummy oleo resins have also been used as astringent, stimulant, expectorant, antiseptic, juvenomimetic, anti-atherosclerotic, analgesic and sedative. 2.3. Ginger • Biological Name: Zingiber officinale • Common Name: Ginger root • Family: Zingiberaceae Ginger is the one of the most useful herbal supplements. It native of South East Asia, but it is cultivated in Caribbean Island, Africa, Australia, Mauritius, Taiwan and Indi. More than 30 % production in India. Ginger is consisting of volatile oil, starch, fat, fibre, inorganic material, residual moisture. Ginger oil contains monoterpine, hydrocarbons, sesquiterpine hydrocarbons, oxygenated mono and sesquiterpines. Ginger is used as stomachic, an aromatic, a carminative, stimulant, flavouring agent. It is used to treat nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. It is also used as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, anticarcinogenic, antifungal, anti-microbial. Ginger extract is one of the effective arthritis joint pain remedies recommended by physicians. Main constituents are sesquiterpenoids, with (-) zingiberene. Sesquiterpene Lactones (SLs) are natural products responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity. 2.4. Turmeric • Biological name: Curcuma longa Linn. • Common Name: Turmeric root, Indian saffron Plant • family: Zingiberaceae Turmeric is cultivated for its rhizome in India, China, Shrilanka, Indonesia, Jamaica, Peru. Turmeric contains volatile oil, resins, starch grains and yellow color substances known as curcuminoids. The chief component of curcuminoids is known as curcumin. Curcumin, a natural compound present in the rhizomes of plant Curcuma longa, demonstrated its anti-inflammatory action used in wound healing, hepatoprotection and neuroprotection etc. It has antimutagenic, antispasmodic, antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Daily ip administration of the low dose of purified curcuminoids (4 mg total curcuminoids/kg/d) inhibited joint inflammation in both the acute and chronic phases of arthritis. [17] 2.5. Akarkara (Anacyclus Pyrethrum) Scientific Modern Science view Akarkara may be useful in managing arthritis. Akarkara is rich in antioxidants and is useful in improving blood circulation. As a result of this, it helps manage pain and inflammation in arthritis. Ayurvedic View Akarkara is useful to manage pain in arthritis. According to Ayurveda, arthritis occurs due to an aggravation of Vata dosha. It causes pain, swelling and joint immobility. Akarkara has Vata balancing property and gives relief from the symptoms of arthritis-like pain and swelling in the joint. 2.6. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Synonyms: -Eugenia cariophylata Mechanism: Eugenol inhibits pro-inflammatory enzymes like COX-2, reducing pain and swelling. inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis through both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways Synergistic Effect: When combined with Akarkara, clove oil enhances the warming sensation and analgesic effects, providing deeper penetration into the affected joint tissues. 2.7. Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) Mechanism: Camphor stimulates nerve endings, creating a numbing effect that reduces pain perception. It stimulates and desensitizes sensory nerves by activating heat-sensitive TRP vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) and TRPV3 receptors. Synergistic Effect: The formulation is appropriate for both acute and chronic pain management since the combination of Akarkara and camphor helps to balance the warming and cooling effects. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 233-247 239 2.8. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Mechanism: Menthol activates cold-sensitive receptors, producing a cooling sensation that helps in pain relief. Peppermint oil may help relieve joint pain because it has analgesic and anesthetic properties, and its menthol content can create a cooling effect that numbs pain Synergistic Effect: Because peppermint oil instantly cools down after Akarkara does, it balances out the warming effect of Akarkara and improves the formulation's effectiveness for joint discomfort. 2.9. Garlic (Allium sativum) Mechanism: Garlic suppresses inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, which are associated with arthritis pain. Garlic may help with joint pain because it has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the effects of proinflammatory cytokines Synergistic Effect: Garlic strengthens the anti-inflammatory qualities of Akarkara, which offers both temporary and long-term pain relief. [18] 3. General method of preparation of herbal oil for arthritis: 3.1. Method 3.1.1. (Taila Kalpana – Herbal Oil) Collect ingredients ↓ Base oil (Sneha dravya) → Sesame / Coconut / Mustard oil ↓ Prepare herbal paste (Kalka) → fine paste of prescribed herbs ↓ Prepare decoction (Kashaya) → boil herbs in water → reduce to ¼ volume ↓ Mix together in vessel Oil: Kalka: Decoction = 4: 1: 16 ↓ Heat gently on mild flame with continuous stirring ↓ Continue heating until water completely evaporates ↓ Check Siddhi Lakshana (completion signs): Kalka becomes dry & granular No frothing (absence of water) Oil attains specific fragrance & color of herbs World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 233-247 240 ↓ Filter immediately while warm ↓ Store in airtight glass container in a cool, dry place [19] 3.2. Method 3.2.1. Herbal Oil (Sneha/Taila Kalpana) Prepare base oil (Sneha dravya) – sesame / coconut / mustard ↓ Prepare herbal paste (Kalka dravya) – fine paste of herbs ↓ Prepare liquid medium (Drava dravya) – decoction (Kashaya) or juice (Swarasa) ↓ Maintain ratio Oil: Paste: Liquid = 4: 1: 16 ↓ Mix all ingredients in a wide vessel ↓ Heat gently on mild flame with continuous stirring ↓ Continue until water evaporates completely ↓ Check Siddhi Lakshana (completion signs): Paste dry & non-sticky No frothing Oil has herbal aroma & color ↓ Filter immediately while warm ↓ Store in airtight glass bottle in a cool, dry place [20] 3.3. Method Pure raw material was weighted and procured. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(01), 233-247 241 ↓ Raw material was properly dried and Yavakuta (coarse powder) was done. ↓ Kalka was prepared with help of water and bolus was prepared. ↓ Measured Tila Taila was taken in clean steel vessel and heat for a while. 3200ml ↓ Kalka dravya (Manjishtha, Sariva, Rala) added into previously heated Taila (below950C) and heated over mild heat (below 950C). ↓ Then prescribed quantity of RO water was added into it. ↓ Snehapaka was continued until Sneha Siddhi Lakshana was obtained. ↓ Material was filtered with cotton cloth immediately (in warm state). ↓ After that beeswax was added in oil with continuous stirring till dissolved properly and again filtered through cotton cloth. ↓ Finally, smooth Pinda Taila with butter like consistency was obtained ↓ Prepared Pinda Taila was stored in well closed and clean container ↓ Finally, 750g & 700g Pinda Taila is obtained. [21] 3.4. Method 3.4.1. Herbal Oil (Adityapaka Taila: Sunlight Method) Collect Ingredients – Base oil (Sesame oil), herbal paste (Kalka), and herbal juice/decoction (Swarasa/Kashaya) ↓ Mix Together – Combine oil, paste, and liquid in a clean vessel ↓ Expose to Sunlight – Keep vessel in direct sunlight for 7–14 days, stir occasionally