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Background:
Arthritis is a progressive inflammatory disorder that affects joints, leading to chronic pain, swelling, and stiffness. Standard treatments offer temporary relief but can cause long-term side effects^(1,6). This has created interest in herbal remedies like Curcuma longa, known for its multi-targeted anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties rooted in traditional medicine^(1,2,6).
The objective of this study was to explore the molecular interactions of Curcuma longa phytochemicals with target proteins involved in arthritis using In silico methods. The aim was to identify compounds with the strongest binding affinity and favorable pharmacokinetic properties to support their use as natural anti-arthritic agents^(1,7).

Methods:
Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina within PyRx software on selected proteins related to arthritis: TNF-α, JAKs, COX-2, and MMPs. Ligands were prepared and optimized using ChemSketch⁽⁴⁾. ADME(Absorption Distribution metabolism and Elimintion) and Lipinski's rules were evaluated using SwissADME⁽⁵⁾ to assess oral bioavailability and drug-likeness of the compounds studied.

Results:
Several compounds, including bisdemethoxycurcumin, ellagic acid, and genistein, demonstrated high binding affinity to multiple protein targets, particularly COX-2 and MMPs. Most compounds showed zero Lipinski violations and suitable iLOGP values, indicating good oral bioavailability⁽⁵⁾. The docking scores and RMSD values confirmed stable and specific ligand-protein interactions.

Conclusion:
The in silico results support the therapeutic promise of Curcuma longa constituents as multi-targeted natural drugs for arthritis management^(2,9). The favorable drug-likeness and binding properties justify further preclinical and clinical evaluation. This study lays the groundwork for developing safe, plant-based interventions in chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

KEYWORDS

Anti-inflammatory, Arthritis, Curcuma longa, Natural Compounds, Molecular Docking