Abstract

INFLAMMATION: AN OVERVIEW

*Rynu Tom Thykkaden, Feba Sainul Abdeen and Nithya Mol Abraham

ABSTRACT

Inflammation is the body's localized response to injury or infection, essential for limiting tissue damage and supporting immune defence. It can be acute or chronic, with chronic inflammation linked to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease. The process involves recognizing harmful stimuli, activating signalling pathways, and recruiting immune cells, with key players including cytokines and reactive oxygen species. Treatments typically include NSAIDs and glucocorticoids, while various Ayurvedic herbs offer alternative options. Although inflammation is essential for protection, it can cause significant health problems if not properly regulated, highlighting the need for effective therapeutic interventions.

Keywords: Inflammation, Acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, signalling pathways.