Diacerein is a medication primarily used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in affected joints. It belongs to the class of drugs known as anthraquinones and acts as an inhibitor of interleukin-1 beta, a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the progression of osteoarthritis. By inhibiting this cytokine, diacerein helps to reduce inflammation and slow down the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, thereby relieving pain and improving joint function.