Integrative Approaches in Reducing Steroid Dependency: Exploring Alternative Therapies for Chronic Inflammatory Conditions

Nambi Namusisi H.

School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

                                                                               ABSTRACT
Chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and chronic dermatitis—often require prolonged glucocorticoid therapy. While steroids remain highly effective anti-inflammatory agents, long-term use is associated with substantial adverse effects: metabolic dysfunction, osteoporosis, immunosuppression, adrenal suppression, cardiovascular risk, and neuropsychiatric complications. Steroid dependency represents a major clinical challenge, particularly in low-resource settings where biologics may be inaccessible. Integrative medicine combining conventional pharmacotherapy with evidence-based complementary modalities such as acupuncture, phytotherapy, mind–body interventions, nutritional modulation, and physical rehabilitation offer potential steroid-sparing strategies. This review synthesizes mechanistic evidence, clinical trial data, and translational insights supporting integrative approaches in reducing steroid reliance across major inflammatory conditions. We highlight immunomodulatory pathways (NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, NLRP3 inflammasome), gut microbiome interactions, neuroimmune regulation, and epigenetic mechanisms underpinning these therapies. We propose a practical framework for steroid tapering supported by integrative modalities and outline future research priorities.

Keywords: steroid dependency, glucocorticoids, integrative medicine, acupuncture, herbal medicine.

CITE AS: Nambi Namusisi H. (2026). Integrative Approaches in Reducing Steroid Dependency: Exploring Alternative Therapies for Chronic Inflammatory Conditions. IDOSR JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY, BIOTECHNOLOGY AND ALLIED FIELDS 11(3):21-25.
https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JBBAF/2026/1132125