Helicteres isora L. is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions, yet its anti-arthritic potential has not been systematically explored. Given the limitations of conventional rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapies, evaluation of this plant may provide scientific validation for its ethnomedicinal use against inflammatory diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-arthritic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of ethanolic extract of Helicteres isora L. (EEHI) in a Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis model in rats and to relate these findings to its traditional application in inflammation management. EEHI was prepared and phytochemically profiled using GCMS. Anti-arthritic activity was assessed through in vitro protein denaturation assay and in vivo in CFA induced arthritic rats administered EEHI at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 28 days. Clinical parameters (paw diameter, arthritic score, body weight, and organ weights), hematological and biochemical markers (RF, CRP), oxidative stress indices (SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA), pro-inflammatory gene expression (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2), and histopathological changes were evaluated. Diclofenac sodium served as the standard drug. EEHI treatment resulted in significant, dose dependent improvements across all evaluated parameters. The 400 mg/kg dose markedly reduced paw swelling and arthritic scores, improved hematological indices, and restored antioxidant enzyme levels. Serum CRP and RF were significantly decreased. Gene expression analysis confirmed downregulation of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2, while histopathology showed substantial protection of joint architecture. GCMS identified several bioactive compounds, including dodecanoic acid, 11-octadecenoic acid, and 8, 11-octadecadienoic acid, which may contribute to the observed pharmacological effects. The findings provide scientific evidence supporting the ethnomedicinal use of Helicteres isora L. in inflammatory conditions. EEHI demonstrated potent anti-arthritic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities through modulation of cytokines and oxidative stress. This work validates traditional knowledge and highlights Helicteres isora L. as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for rheumatoid arthritis, warranting further pharmacological and clinical studies.
Keywords: Helicteres isora L.; CFA induced arthritis; Cytokines, oxidative stress, GCMS; Rheumatoid arthritis.
© 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.