EFFECT OF GARAVISHAGHNA LEPA IN COTTON PELLETINDUCED INFLAMMATION- AN ANIMAL STUDY

Background: Inflammation is a protective biological response of tissues to harmful stimuli such as pathogens, toxins, and injury. However, chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage and disease. In Ayurveda, inflammation is described as Shopha, which may arise due to factors like Gara Visha (artificial toxins). Classical formulations such as Garavishaghna Lepa are indicated for managing toxic inflammatory conditions and are believed to possess anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. Objectives: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Garavishaghna Lepa in cotton pellet-induced inflammation in Wistar rats. To measured serum pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6. Materials and Methods: An in vivo experimental study was conducted on 24 Wistar rats divided into four groups: Normal control, Disease control (cotton pellet-induced inflammation), Standard group (Diclofenac gel), and Test group (Garavishaghna Lepa). Inflammation was induced by subcutaneous implantation of sterile cotton pellets. Treatments were applied locally for 8 days. On day 9, blood samples were collected, and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6, were estimated. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: The disease control group showed a significant increase in TNF-α and IL-6 levels, confirming inflammation. Treatment with Garavishaghna Lepa significantly reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels compared to the disease control group. The effect was comparable to the standard drug diclofenac gel, which also showed a marked reduction in inflammatory markers. Conclusion: Garavishaghna Lepa demonstrated significant antiinflammatory activity by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines in cotton pellet-induced inflammation in rats.