Inflammation, which is the release of signal chemicals such cytokines, prostaglandins, and histamines, is a crucial immunological response brought about by injury, infection, or other dangerous triggers. It’s a defense mechanism that promotes tissue healing and protects against harm. There are two forms of inflammation: acute inflammation, which is a quick and effective reaction that repairs tissues after an injury, and chronic inflammation, which is a persistent illness associated with a variety of illnesses.
Emerging Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compounds: Sources, Benefits, and Future Applications (2024–2025)
Inflammation, which is the release of signal chemicals such cytokines, prostaglandins, and histamines, is a crucial immunological response brought about by injury, infection, or other dangerous triggers. It’s a defense mechanism that promotes tissue healing and protects against harm. There are two forms of inflammation: acute inflammation, which is a quick and effective reaction that repairs tissues after an injury, and chronic inflammation, which is a persistent illness associated with a variety of illnesses.
Functional foods are formally categorized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under its regulatory framework. Safety and Standards Act (2006) defines functional foods under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Functional foods provide additional health benefits that could reduce controlling certain diseases but are designed to be different from conventional foods through their bioactive components and targeted physiological effects (FSSAI, 2021). [2]
Emerging Compounds to Watch (2024–2025)
Recent studies (2021–2024) have identified several promising novel bioactives with targeted anti-inflammatory action:
Compound | Source | Key Mechanism | Potential Application | Novelty Status |
Strawberries, apples | Senolytic, reduces NF-κB and IL-6 | Neuroinflammation, aging | Under clinical evaluation | |
Honokiol | Magnolia officinalis | NF-κB & STAT3 inhibition | Alzheimer’s, MS, anxiety | Limited human data |
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) | Egg yolk, soy | Mast cell modulation | Neuropathic pain, inflammation | Novel lipid compound |
Psoralea corylifolia | PPARγ activation | Metabolic syndrome, autoimmune | Novel phytoactive | |
Scutellaria baicalensis | Inhibits IL-1β, TNF-α | Asthma, viral inflammation | Under active nutraceutical R&D | |
Tinospora cordifolia | Suppresses cytokine storm | Sepsis, viral inflammation | Recently explored in India |
Categorizing Natural Anti-Inflammatory Chemicals
- Polyphenols with Gene-Regulatory and Antioxidant Functions
(such as curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, EGCG, apigenin, luteolin) that exhibit gene-regulatory and antioxidant properties. - Terpenoids with Enzyme Inhibition and Membrane Stabilization Properties
such as gingerols from ginger and boswellic acids from Boswellia serrata, are well known for their ability to inhibit enzymes and stabilize membranes. - Alkaloids and Capsaicinoids for Receptor Modulation
(like capsaicin), which alter receptor activity and cause sensory nerve desensitization. - Flavonoids Offering Multi-Targeted Neuroprotective Benefits
Due to their multi-targeted neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, luteolin and apigenin, two additional flavonoids, are gaining popularity.
Switching from NSAIDs to Bioactive Plant-Derived Compounds
Although traditional NSAIDs like naproxen and ibuprofen are effective, their prolonged use is restricted by possible side effects including renal damage, cardiovascular events, and gastrointestinal ulcers. Because of these safety concerns, regulatory agencies like the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and India’s AYUSH 2024 guideline have recently increased their attention on the identification of safer, plant-derived anti-inflammatory medications. These naturally occurring bioactives have a variety of uses, such as immunomodulation, antioxidation, and fewer adverse effects. As a result, there is a clear move towards incorporating such ingredients into functional foods, nutraceuticals, and complementary treatments that are designed to prevent and treat diseases linked to persistent inflammation.
The Connection Between Disease and Anti-Inflammatory Substances
Table: Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compounds, Mechanisms, and Applications[10]. [5] [6] [3]
Compound | Mechanism of Action | Diseases Targeted | Formulation / Bioavailability |
Curcumin | Inhibits COX-2, NF-κB, MAPK pathways; antioxidant | Rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, Alzheimer’s, cancer | Poor bioavailability; improved by liposomal/nano delivery |
Gingerol/Shogaol | Blocks COX, LOX; reduces oxidative stress | Osteoarthritis, GI inflammation, nausea | Liposomal delivery improves stability |
Quercetin | Inhibits histamine, nitric oxide, cytokines | CVD, obesity, allergies, neuroinflammation | Nanoencapsulation improves absorption |
Resveratrol | Downregulates iNOS, COX-2; immune modulation | Type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular diseases | Rapid metabolism: bioavailability improved via nanoform |
EGCG | Reduces TNF-α, NF-κB; antioxidant | Metabolic syndrome, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases | Nano-carriers aid in delivery |
Capsaicin | Desensitizes TRPV1 receptor | Psoriasis, osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain | Topical use; systemic absorption varies |
Boswellic Acids | Inhibit 5-LOX; reduce leukotriene synthesis | Asthma, IBD, arthritis | New carriers under study |
Apigenin | Blocks NF-κB, MAPK; reduces cytokine production | Cancer, neuroinflammation, cardiovascular disorders | Poor oral bioavailability; promising nanoformulations |
Luteolin | Antioxidant; suppresses cytokines and oxidative stress | Asthma, neurodegenerative disorders, allergies | Improved via liposomal delivery |
Regulatory Status of Anti-Inflammatory Medicines
FDA, USA:
In food, dietary supplements, and drugs, the use of natural compounds such as curcumin, ginger, and quercetin is regulated by the FDA.
These drugs not approved for pharmaceutical applications are commonly used in supplements marketed for general health and well-being. in accordance with GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) standards
The FSSAI of India:
To safeguard the purity and safety of plant-based anti-inflammatory compounds, their use is regulated by the FSSAI.
Curcumin and related compounds are allowed in food provided that they comply with the stringent criteria laid down by the FSSAI.
The amended rules of the FSSAI promote the use of herbal supplements and bioactive molecules if all regulatory safety measures are complied with.
Summary
Natural anti-inflammatory chemicals offer safer and multi-targeting methods for treating inflammation when compared to NSAIDs, which attempt to address regulatory concerns brought up by organizations like the EMA and AYUSH. Continuous advancements in formulation technologies, such as nano- and liposomal delivery systems, are essential for maximizing their clinical utility and addressing bioavailability. Public health and well-being are supported in a fundamental way by the proactive approach of integrating these bioactives into diets and treatment regimens to prevent and reduce diseases linked to chronic inflammation.
Ready to Innovate with Natural Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients? Partner with Food Research Lab to formulate next-generation nutraceuticals and functional foods enriched with clinically validated, plant-derived bioactives. Contact our R&D experts today to transform science into shelf-ready solutions.
Let’s create something Innovative and Delicious together
Food Research Lab strives for excellence in new Food, Beverage and Nutraceutical Product Research and Development by offering cutting edge scientific analysis and expertise.