Abstract
Chronic pain is a significant global health issue, affecting millions of individuals and leading to reduced quality of life and impaired functional capacity. Traditional pharmaceutical treatments for chronic pain often come with adverse effects, and their long-term use can lead to dependency or tolerance. As a result, there has been growing interest in exploring natural products as alternative or adjunct therapies for chronic pain management. This article reviews the therapeutic potential of various natural products, including plant-derived compounds, marine organisms, and microbial sources, for alleviating chronic pain. The mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and clinical efficacy of these natural products are discussed, highlighting the role of bioactive compounds such as cannabinoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids in pain relief. The article also explores the use of combination therapies, integrating natural products with conventional treatments to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Future directions for research in this area, including challenges in standardization and clinical validation, are also addressed.
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