Panchgavya Granules: A Novel Nutraceutical Approach to Immune Enhancement

Panchgavya, a traditional Ayurvedic formulation comprising five cow-derived elements—milk, curd, ghee, urine, and dung—has long been valued for its immunomodulatory and therapeutic properties. This study aimed to formulate Panchgavya granules that include traditional Panchgavya Ghrita to evaluate their safety and immunomodulatory potential by various models in Albino Wistar rats. Granules were prepared using a two-phase process, ensuring uniform composition and palatability with improved shelf life. Acute oral toxicity was assessed as per OECD guideline 423, revealing no mortality or significant toxicity at doses up to 2000 mg/kg. The evaluation of immunomodulatory activities was conducted through the macrophage phagocytic index, triple antigen-induced paw oedema, hemagglutination titer, and cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenia models. Panchgavya granules demonstrated a significant dose-dependent increase in phagocytic index and hemagglutination titre, suggesting enhanced macrophage activity and humoral immune response. Furthermore, the granules attenuated paw oedema and improved leukocyte counts after cyclophosphamide administration, indicating their efficacy in modulating both cell-mediated and humoral immunity. The formulation also displayed favourable physicochemical properties, including good flowability and suspension stability. These findings suggest that Panchgavya granules are a safe and effective immunomodulatory nutraceutical formulation. Their synergistic action, driven by cow-derived bioactive constituents, presents a promising approach for immune enhancement, particularly in conditions requiring immunological support such as infections, autoimmune disorders, and cancer chemotherapy.