It works by reducing the activity of inflammation-causing molecules, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, slowing down cartilage damage, and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in rats with arthritis. Here, NOS2 is linked to arthritic joint disease.