Targeting inflammatory pathways in rheumatoid arthritis management using phytochemicals and mechanistic insights Shriyeta Biswas, Juganta Kumar Kalita, N. Anirudh Singh, Bedaparna Nath, Pratap Kalita, Saikat Sen International Immunopharmacology, 2026 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disease marked by inflammation of the synovial membrane, gradual joint damage and systemic issues. Contemporary treatment, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics, usually offers symptomatic relief and suppresses immunity but is often limited by side effects and does not prevent long-term structural damage. On the other hand, phytochemicals have attracted interest as multi-target therapeutic agents that can influence key disease pathways such as NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, Nrf2/Keap1 and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways. RA is driven by activation of NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT pathways, leading to excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine production and synovial inflammation. The NLRP3 inflammasome further amplifies this response via IL-1β and IL-18 activation. Conversely, impaired Nrf2/Keap1 signaling reduces antioxidant defense, aggravating oxidative stress and joint damage. Bioactive compounds including polyphenols (like curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate EGCG), terpenoids (such as boswellic acids) and alkaloids (like berberine and sinomenine) along with various flavonoids, demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, chondroprotective and anti-resorptive effects in early and emerging clinical studies. However, incorporating these findings into clinical practice faces challenges primarily because of suboptimal pharmacokinetics, such as poor water solubility, low gut absorption and rapid metabolism, resulting in inadequate and inconsistent levels in plasma and synovial fluid. This review integrates mechanistic and pharmacokinetic evidence to critically evaluate the potential and limitations of phytochemicals for the management of RA, and highlights advanced formulations to improve bioavailability and targeted and personalized clinical use.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: A comparative review of pathophysiology, diagnosis and evolving management Shriyeta Biswas, Juganta K. Kalita, Bedaparna Nath, N. Anirudh Singh, Md. Sarowar Hossain, Saikat Sen Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 2026 Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are among the leading causes of chronic joint pain and disability, resulting in significant healthcare and economic burdens. OA is a degenerative disorder characterized by cartilage degradation, whereas RA is an autoimmune condition that leads to synovial inflammation. Despite their differences, both conditions share similar symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and functional decline, which can complicate early diagnosis and delay targeted treatment. Degradation of the extracellular matrix, chondrocyte senescence, and responses to biomechanical stress are considered key molecular events in OA. By contrast, RA is driven by abnormal immune activation, autoantibody production, and ongoing synovial inflammation. This review provides a comparative analysis of OA and RA, focusing on pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, clinical assessment frameworks, and evolving management strategies. Diagnostic strategies that combine patient evaluation, advanced imaging techniques, and emerging molecular biomarkers to improve early detection are also discussed. Critical evaluations are provided of management strategies that encompass pharmacologic treatments, such as using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologics, and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, as well as non-pharmacologic interventions, including physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and surgical options. In addition, the limited disease-modifying options for OA and safety concerns with long-term immunosuppressive therapy in RA are noted, highlighting the need for biomarker guided personalized therapies.
Genus Aerides, Coelogyne and Eria: A comprehensive review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology Partha Pratim Dutta, Priyanku Pradip Das, Jyotirmoy Bhattacharyya, Lunasmrita Saikia, Seydur Rahman, Shila Kumari Singh, Saikat Sen, Pal Gogoi Phytomedicine Plus, 2026 • The Aerides, Coelogyne, and Eria genus have been used in traditional medicine. • >72 phytoconstituents have been reported from all genera. • The genera are rich in phenanthrene, bibenzyl and flavonoids. • Extracts and Phytoconstituents exhibits various pharmacological activity. • In-depth investigation is required to reveal its full therapeutic potential. The Orchidaceae family includes several medicinally important genera, particularly Aerides, Coelogyne , and Eria , which hold a prominent place in Southeast Asian traditional medicine for managing infectious, inflammatory, metabolic, and degenerative diseases. This review systematically compiles existing evidence on the ethnobotanical significance, phytochemical diversity, and pharmacological potential of these species. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, SciFinder, and Google Scholar up to September 2025 using the keywords “ Aerides ,” “ Coelogyne ,” “ Eria ,” “phytochemistry,” “pharmacology,” and “ethnopharmacology.” A total of 112 peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. Phytochemical analyses identified 71 bioactive metabolites, predominantly phenanthrenes and bibenzyls, followed by flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, and sterols. Preclinical investigations consistently revealed a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antinociceptive, cytotoxic, osteoprotective, and hepatoprotective effects. Notably, erianin, isolated from Eria species, exhibits strong anticancer activity, while coelogin from Coelogyne species demonstrates osteogenic potential, providing valuable mechanistic insights into their therapeutic actions. Collectively, these findings position Aerides, Coelogyne , and Eria as promising yet underexplored sources of pharmacologically active natural products. However, despite extensive ethnomedicinal evidence supporting their use, comprehensive scientific validation, encompassing mechanistic elucidation, rigorous pharmacological testing, and systematic toxicity studies, is still needed, as clinical evaluations remain absent. This review also identifies key knowledge gaps and proposes future research priorities to support the translational advancement of these orchid genera from traditional use to evidence-based clinical applications.
Herbal tea used globally targeting metabolic syndrome: A systematic review Pervej Alom Barbhuiya, Joyjeet Dey, Kalpajyoti Saikia, Syed Tohshin Ishtiyak, Abdul Bin Aqib, Kitborlang L. Marshillong, Jyotchna Gogoi, Wankupar Wankhar, Satyabrat Sarma, Saikat Sen, Manash Pratim Pathak International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, 2025
Starch-based biodegradable packaging materials: Characterization and multifarious applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries Advances in Manufacturing and Processing of Materials Characterization and Applications, 2024
Evaluation of antioxidant activity of Saraca indica leaves extracts using in vitro and ex vivo models Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research, 2014
Antiulcerogenic effect of gallic acid in rats and its effect on oxidant and antioxidant parameters in stomach tissue Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2013
Synthesis, characterisation and anthelmintic activity of 3-(4-acetyl-5-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)- 2H-chromen-2-one derivatives Indian Journal of Chemistry Section B Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, 2013
Total phenolic, flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity of Marsilea minuta L., an Indian vegetable International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 2012
Antiulcerogenic effects of Lantana camara Linn. leaves on in vivo test models in rats Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 2010
Pharmacognostic and anti-hyperglycemic evaluation of Lantana camara (L.) var. aculeate leaves in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2010
Pharmacological evaluation of Saraca indica leaves for central nervous system depressant activity in mice Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 2010
Free radicals, antioxidants, diseases and phytomedicines: Current status and future prospect International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 2010
Plants and phytochemicals for peptic ulcer: An overview Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2009
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Evaluation of In Vitro Pharmacological Activities and HRLC-MS Based Profiling of Phlogacanthus jenkinsii CB Clarke SH Ansari, S Sen Journal of Pharmacopuncture 28 (2), 116 , 2025 2025
From nature to healing: How Gynura cusimbua may support diabetic wound recovery NR Chanu, K Bhattacharya, S Sen Food Bioscience 68, 106544 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
A Systemic Review of Pre-clinical Studies of Herbal Plants having Anti-Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Activity: A PAN-India Study M Karmakar, B Chakraborty, AS Hussain, PA Barbhuiya, NY Chang, ... The Natural Products Journal 15 (3), E160524230026 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Common Medicinal Herbs Found Across India: A Scientific Review GK Bhargav, S Sen Cuestiones de Fisioterapia 54 (3), 3422-3430 , 2025 2025
Ethnobotanical Use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Clerodendrum colebrookianium (Lamiaceae) A Teli, D Jena, L Saikia, NS Mondal, S Sen, K Mishra, MK Gautam Current Nutrition & Food Science 21 (2), 148-155 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Mitigating Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): The Role of Bioactive Phytoconstituents in Indian Culinary Spices PA Barbhuiya, A Ahmed, PP Dutta, S Sen, MP Pathak Current Nutrition Reports 14 (1), 20 , 2025 2025 Citations: 15
HR-LCMS based metabolite profiling and evaluation of the antioxidant potential of Paspalum fimbriatum Kunth. SH Ansari, S Sen Vegetos, 1-9 , 2025 2025
An Insight into the Therapeutic Value of Dillenia indica Linn: Phytochemical and Pharmacological Aspects S Khatun, S Sen Pharmacognosy Research 17 (3) , 2025 2025
Herbal Medicine for the Management of Wounds: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies LA Ahmed, A Hussain, PA Barbhuiya, S Zaman, AM Laskar, MP Pathak, ... Infectious Disorders-Drug Targets , 2024 2024 Citations: 9
Deciphering the Interlinked CXCR4-Mediated Feedback Loop Among Signaling Pathways in Diabetic Wound Healing K Sandhanam, B Bhattacharjee, D Rynjah, P Kalita, S Sen, R Chakraborty Current Diabetes Reviews , 2024 2024 Citations: 9
Targeting Diabetic Neuropathic Pain with Flavonoids: Mechanistic Insights and Pharmaceutical Perspectives SH Ansari, S Sen Journal of Young Pharmacists 16 (4), 667-672 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Ameliorative Effects of Essential Oils on Diabetes Mellitus: A Review PA Barbhuiya, D Pariong, A Pervice Alam, TMSR Mazumder, S Sarma, ... Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 24 (26), 2274-2287 , 2024 2024 Citations: 9
Antidiabetic potential of Amomum dealbatum Roxb. flower and isolation of three bioactive compounds with molecular docking and in vivo study N Chelleng, T Begum, PP Dutta, P Chetia, S Sen, BK Dey, NC Talukdar, ... Natural product research 38 (19), 3427-3432 , 2024 2024 Citations: 8
Starch-Based Biodegradable Packaging Materials: Characterization and Multifarious Applications in the Pharmaceutical and Food Industries P Kalita, AB Ahmed, S Sen, S Sarma, S Deka Advances in Manufacturing and Processing of Materials, 161-184 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Plant-Derived Bioactive Molecules in the Management of Diabetic Neuropathy: Insights and Future Prospects KK Das, B Debnath, S Sen Nanotechnology Perceptions, 678-709 , 2024 2024
Ameliorative role of bioactive phytoconstituents targeting obesity associated NAFLD by modulation of inflammation and lipogenesis pathways: a comprehensive review PA Barbhuiya, S Sen, MP Pathak Phytochemistry Reviews 23 (4), 969-996 , 2024 2024 Citations: 17
An Updated Review on the Early Detection and Drug Development Targeting Breast Cancer PA Barbhuiya, S Arman, H Paul, S Sen, BK Dey, MP Pathak Current Women's Health Reviews 20 (4), 96-109 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
The recent update and advancements of natural products in targeting the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway for cancer prevention and therapeutics L Saikia, B Gogoi, S Sen, RK Tonk, D Kumar, PP Dutta Medical Oncology 41 (7), 1-18 , 2024 2024 Citations: 6
Herbal tea used globally targeting metabolic syndrome: A systematic review PA Barbhuiya, J Dey, K Saikia, ST Ishtiyak, AB Aqib, KL Marshillong, ... International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, 1-16 , 2024 2024 Citations: 8
A Review on Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological activities of Euphorbia antiquorum L. L Saikia, J Bhattacharyya, S Sen, PP Dutta Chemistry & Biodiversity, e202400331 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Free radicals, antioxidants, diseases and phytomedicines: current status and future prospect S Sen, R Chakraborty, C Sridhar, YSR Reddy, B De International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research 3 (1 … , 2010 2010 Citations: 986
Revival, modernization and integration of Indian traditional herbal medicine in clinical practice: Importance, challenges and future S Sen, R Chakraborty Journal of traditional and complementary medicine 7 (2), 234-244 , 2017 2017 Citations: 763
The role of antioxidants in human health S Sen, R Chakraborty Oxidative stress: diagnostics, prevention, and therapy, 1-37 , 2011 2011 Citations: 485
Rice-not just a staple food: A comprehensive review on its phytochemicals and therapeutic potential S Sen, R Chakraborty, P Kalita Trends in Food Science & Technology 97, 265-285 , 2020 2020 Citations: 331
Challenges and opportunities in the advancement of herbal medicine: India’s position and role in a global context S Sen, R Chakraborty, B De Journal of Herbal Medicine 1 (3-4), 67-75 , 2011 2011 Citations: 276
Total phenolic, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity of the leaves of Meyna spinosa Roxb., an Indian medicinal plant S Sen, B De, N Devanna, R Chakraborty Chinese journal of natural medicines 11 (2), 149-157 , 2013 2013 Citations: 227
Free radicals in human health and disease V Rani, UCS Yadav Springer , 2014 2014 Citations: 171
Towards the integration and advancement of herbal medicine: a focus on Traditional Indian Medicine S Saikat, C Raja Botanics: Targets and Therapy 5, 33-44 , 2015 2015 Citations: 155
An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by ethnic people in West and South district of Tripura, India S Sen, R Chakraborty, B De, N Devanna Journal of Forestry Research 22 (3), 417-426 , 2011 2011 Citations: 141
Plants and phytochemicals for peptic ulcer: An overview S Sen, R Chakraborty, B De, J Mazumder Pharmacognosy Reviews 3 (6), 270 , 2009 2009 Citations: 136
North-East India an ethnic storehouse of unexplored medicinal plants R Chakraborty, B De, N Devanna, S Sen J Nat Prod Plant Resour 2 (1), 143-152 , 2012 2012 Citations: 122
Antiinflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant activities of Phyllanthus acidus L. extracts R Chakraborty, D Biplab, N Devanna, S Sen Asian pacific journal of tropical biomedicine 2 (2), S953-S961 , 2012 2012 Citations: 119
Pharmacological evaluation of Saraca indica leaves for central nervous system depressant activity in mice A Verma, GK Jana, S Sen, R Chakraborty, S Sachan, A Mishra J Pharm Sci Res 2 (6), 338-343 , 2010 2010 Citations: 117
A comprehensive review on polysaccharides with hypolipidemic activity: Occurrence, chemistry and molecular mechanism P Kalita, AB Ahmed, S Sen, R Chakraborty International Journal of Biological Macromolecules , 2022 2022 Citations: 116
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory herbs: a potential source of modern medicine S Sen, R Chakraborty, B De, T Ganesh, HG Raghavendra, S Debnath International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 1 (11), 32 , 2010 2010 Citations: 102
Antiulcerogenic effect of gallic Acid in rats and its effect on oxidant and antioxidant parameters in stomach tissue S Sen, K Asokkumar, M Umamaheswari, A Sivashanmugam, ... Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences 75 (2), 149 , 2013 2013 Citations: 101
Pharmacognostic and anti-hyperglycemic evaluation of Lantana camara (L.) var. aculeate leaves in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats T Ganesh, S Sen, E Thilagam, G Thamotharan, T Loganathan, ... Int J Res Pharm Sci 1 (3), 247-252 , 2010 2010 Citations: 97
Diabetes mellitus and COVID-19: Understanding the association in light of current evidence S Sen, R Chakraborty, P Kalita, MP Pathak World Journal of Clinical Cases 9 (28), 8327 , 2021 2021 Citations: 93
Antiulcerogenic effects of Lantana camara Linn. leaves On in vivo test models in rats G Thamotharan, G Sekar, T Ganesh, S Sen, R Chakraborty, SN Kumar Asian journal of pharmaceutical and clinical research 3 (3), 57-60 , 2010 2010 Citations: 88
EDITORIAL (thematic issue: treatment and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and its complication: advanced approaches) S Sen, R Chakraborty Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry 15 (14), 1132-1133 , 2015 2015 Citations: 76
