Wutou decoction reduced arthritis and bone damage in rats, with quercetin among components inhibiting macrophage inflammation via PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways

Wutou decoction, a traditional Chinese formula, reduced arthritis severity and bone destruction in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis. In cell experiments, quercetin, apigenin, benzoic acid, and decanoic acid suppressed inflammatory responses in macrophages by blocking PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling. These findings point to multi-target anti-inflammatory effects that may be relevant to rheumatoid arthritis, though human evidence is still needed.