YOGA AND INFLAMMATORY BIOMARKERS (CRP, IL-6, AND TNF-α) IN ADULTS WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of many chronic disorders, and inflammatory biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are frequently used to quantify systemic inflammatory activity. Yoga, a multidimensional mind–body practice combining physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation, has been proposed as an adjunctive strategy to modulate stress-related neuroendocrine pathways and inflammation. This narrative review summarizes and critically discusses evidence on the effects of yoga-based interventions on CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α in adults with chronic conditions. The literature was explored using targeted searches of major biomedical databases and relevant reference lists, prioritizing randomized trials and meta-analyses reporting biomarker outcomes. Across clinical contexts—including inflammatory rheumatic disease, cardiovascular risk and post–myocardial infarction rehabilitation, and inflammatory bowel disease—yoga interventions consistently improved patient-reported outcomes such as stress, anxiety, and quality of life. Biomarker findings were heterogeneous: reductions in TNF-α and IL-6 were reported in some settings and protocols, whereas CRP changes were less consistent. Differences in populations, intervention intensity and duration, comparator conditions, and biomarker assessment methods likely contribute to variability across studies. Overall, current evidence suggests yoga may have anti-inflammatory potential in selected chronic disease populations, but more standardized, adequately powered trials with longer follow-up are needed to clarify the magnitude, durability, and mechanisms of biomarker effects.