Abstract
Objective: The present study was carried out to investigate the acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract of Azadirachta indica leaves (Neem) on experimental animal models.
Materials and methods: Adult wistar rats (150 - 200g) of either sex were selected for this study. Each group consisted of six animals. Anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extract was evaluated by well-established model like Carrageenan induced rat paw edema at two different dose levels of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg. Swiss albino mice of weight 25 – 30g were used for acute toxicity.
Results: A maximum of 89% inhibition of paw edema was noted in diclofenac treated animals at the end of six hours. Oral administratio n of the ethanol extract of Azadirachta indica leaves (200, 400mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05) inhibit the carrageenan induced paw edema when compare with control. The maximum percentage inhibition of paw edema at 6th hour by the above doses of Azadirachta indica were 46% and 60% respectively. In acu te toxicity study no mortality were observed in mice with the maximum dose of 2000mg/kg.
Conclusion: The present study indicates that oral administration of both the doses of Azadirachta indica leaves shows dose dependant improvement in the anti- inflammatory activity. The extract lowers the carrageenan induced rats paw oedema. Further pharmacological and biochemical investigation are essential to elucidate the mechanism of action.
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