Research suggests that ghee may possess anti-inflammatory properties, though the direct evidence is largely preliminary and drawn from animal studies, in vitro experiments, and narrative reviews rather than controlled human clinical trials. A 2021 mouse study found that colostrum-derived ghee reduced inflammatory markers in acute pancreatitis, a 2010 study indicated that a ghee-based preparation of Tinospora cordifolia showed immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory activity, and a 2008 animal study found that a ghee-turmeric combination supported post-surgical tissue healing in dogs; a 2024 review further proposed plausible molecular mechanisms for ghee's bioactive components — including conjugated linoleic acid and fat-soluble vitamins — in reducing inflammation, though it acknowledged that dedicated human studies are lacking. Some studies examined ghee not as the primary anti-inflammatory agent but as a carrier or absorption enhancer, as seen in a 2018 rat study where ghee appeared to improve curcumin's bioavailability and anti-inflammatory effects. Notably, two studies raised caution about combining ghee with honey in equal proportions, finding signs of oxidative stress and liver inflammation in rat models, while several other linked studies touched on ghee only tangentially in the context of broader Ayurvedic or pharmaceutical research. Overall, the body of evidence is directionally supportive but methodologically limited, and human clinical trials are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn about ghee's anti-inflammatory effects on its own.
Citations from PubMed and preprint sources. Match score (0-100) reflects automated search ranking, not clinical appraisal.
| Title | Type | Year | Direction | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From tradition to science: Possible mechanisms of ghee in supporting bone and... | Review | 2024 | Supports | 100 |
| Anti Inflammatory and Anti Arthritic Activity of Different Milk Based Formula... | Other | 2018 | Supports | 95 |
| A comparative anti-inflammatory activity of raw and processed Kupeelu (Strych... | Other | 2011 | Neutral | 90 |
| An Emerging Approach for Optimization of Cow Ghee as an Ointment Base in Comb... | Other | 2023 | Neutral | 85 |
| Nutritive diet becomes unhealthy if taken in a wrong ratio: Scientific valida... | Other | 2019 | — | 85 |
| Toxicity profile of honey and ghee, when taken together in equal ratio. | Other | 2020 | — | 80 |
| Histological evaluation of Curcuma longa-ghee formulation and hyaluronic acid... | Other | 2008 | Supports | 75 |
| Lepidium Sativum Extract Alleviates Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity i... | Other | 2025 | Neutral | 70 |
| Ghee Butter from Bovine Colostrum Reduces Inflammation in the Mouse Model of ... | Other | 2021 | Supports | 65 |
| A comparative pharmacological evaluation of Taila (oil) and Ghrita (ghee) pre... | Other | 2010 | Supports | 60 |
| Swarna Bhasma Induces Antigen-Presenting Abilities of Macrophages and Helps A... | Other | 2024 | Neutral | 55 |
| Measurement of spices and seasonings in India: opportunities for cancer epide... | Other | 2010 | Neutral | 50 |
| Effect of detoxification (tadbeer) in content of toxic metabolites of Strychn... | Other | 2015 | Neutral | 45 |