PROPHYLACTIC AND THERAPEUTIC ADMINISTRATION OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA LEAVES EXTRACT EMULGEL SUPPRESSES CARRAGEENAN-INDUCED ARTHRITIS IN ALBINO RATS

Abstract

This research assesses the preventive and therapeutic benefits of Calotropis procera leaf extract emulgel on carrageenan-induced arthritis in albino rats. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by enduring joint inflammation, resulting in gradual joint deterioration and disability. Traditional therapies, like NSAIDs and corticosteroids, provide symptomatic relief but often entail considerable adverse effects. Calotropis procera, recognized for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing properties, was integrated into a topical emulgel formulation to investigate its viability as a safer, plant-derived option for arthritis treatment. Five experimental groups were utilized: a control group, an arthritic control group, a conventional treatment group (diclofenac gel), and two experimental groups administered C. procera emulgel either prophylactically or therapeutically. The research assessed paw edema and inflammation at many intervals. Both prophylactic and therapeutic applications of C. procera emulgel substantially decreased paw volume, with the prophylactic cohort exhibiting quicker and more efficacious alleviation than the therapeutic cohort. The findings indicate that C. procera emulgel is a viable topical intervention for arthritis management, offering a natural and well-accepted alternative to traditional medications.