AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON ANTI INFLAMMATORY ACTION OF HYPERICUM PERFORATUM IN CARRAGEENAN INDUCED ARTHRITIS RAT MODELS

Background: Inflammation is a key pathogenic mechanism underlying many acute and chronic disorders. The carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats is a validated experimental method for screening anti-inflammatory agents. Hypericum perforatum is widely used in homoeopathy for inflammatory and traumatic conditions; however, evidence on its ultra-high dilutions remains limited. Aim: To evaluate and compare the anti-inflammatory effects of ultra-high dilutions of Hypericum perforatum (6C and 30C) with indomethacin using a carrageenan-induced acute inflammation model in Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: Twelve healthy Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated into four groups: control, indomethacin-treated (3mg/kg), Hypericum 6C-treated, and Hypericum 30C-treated. Acute inflammation was induced by sub-plantar injection of 0.1 mL of 1% carrageenan into the right hind paw. Paw volume was measured using a digital plethysmometer. Hematological parameters, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), total leukocyte count (TLC), and neutrophil percentage, were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Indomethacin produced a significant reduction in paw edema and systemic inflammatory markers. Hypericum 6C showed a moderate reduction in neutrophil percentage with minimal reduction in paw volume, suggesting a predominantly local anti-inflammatory effect. Hypericum 30C demonstrated a greater reduction in ESR, indicating a systemic anti-inflammatory response. Both potencies showed statistically significant effects compared with the control group. Conclusion: Ultra-high dilutions of Hypericum perforatum demonstrated measurable anti-inflammatory activity with potency-specific differences. Hypericum 6C primarily influenced local inflammatory parameters, whereas Hypericum 30C exhibited greater systemic effects. These findings support the potential role of homoeopathic medicines as complementary therapeutic agents in acute inflammatory conditions.