Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as emerging anti-inflammatory agents: mechanisms, therapeutic advances, and future directions—a systematic review and meta-analysis

Inflammation contributes significantly to the development of several chronic disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Although conventional anti-inflammatory medications remain effective, prolonged use is often linked various side effects. In recent years, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have emerged as a promising nanotherapeutic agent because of their unique physicochemical and biological properties. Green-synthesized AuNPs further showed improved biocompatibility and enhanced therapeutic efficacy due to the presence of bioactive phytochemicals. This review highlights recent advances (2015-2026) in the anti-inflammatory activity through both a literature review and meta-analysis. Findings from in-vitro and in-vivo studies showed that AuNPs can downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by modulating signaling pathways including NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. AuNPs also reduce oxidative stress and promote anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization. Meta-analysis included total 20 in-vivo studies, among which 18 studies evaluated for pro-inflammatory cytokines, while 9 studies were assessed for anti-inflammatory cytokines, collectively supporting the therapeutic potential of AuNPs in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.