Rutin as a multi-target anti-inflammatory phytochemical in arthritic disorders: pharmacological mechanisms and therapeutic potential.

Rutin, a bioactive flavonoid widely present in medicinal plants such as Fagopyrum esculentum, Ruta graveolens, and citrus species, has been traditionally used for inflammatory conditions, including joint disorders. Despite its long-standing ethnomedicinal use, a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of its role across different types of arthritis remains limited. This review aims to systematically evaluate the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of rutin in rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, and Psoriasis, integrating ethnopharmacological relevance with modern experimental evidence. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Preclinical in vivo, in vitro, and mechanistic studies investigating rutin in arthritic models were included. Data were synthesized to identify key molecular targets, signaling pathways, and therapeutic outcomes. Rutin demonstrated significant anti-arthritic effects across multiple models. In rheumatoid arthritis, rutin reduced inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), oxidative stress, and joint damage via inhibition of NF-κB and iNOS signaling. In gout, rutin lowered uric acid levels by inhibiting xanthine oxidase and suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In osteoarthritis, rutin protected cartilage integrity by modulating extracellular matrix degradation and regulating NF-κB/MAPK, SIRT1, and RhoA/ROCK pathways. In Psoriasis, rutin attenuated keratinocyte proliferation and inflammation through JAK/STAT inhibition and activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway. Additionally, advanced delivery systems such as nanoparticles and hydrogels enhanced its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Rutin exhibits multi-target anti-arthritic potential supported by both traditional use and modern pharmacological evidence. Its ability to modulate key inflammatory and oxidative pathways highlights its potential as a phytopharmaceutical candidate for arthritis management. Further clinical validation and standardization are required to translate these findings into therapeutic applications.