Abstract
Nimbidin, a compound isolated from the oil of seeds of Azadirachta indica (NEEM), has been screened in comparison with two standard anti-inflammatory agents, phenylbutazone,
a non-steriod and prednisolone, a steroid; against various experimental models of
inflammation. It was found to significantly reduce acute paw oedema in rats induced
by phlogistic agents, carrageenin and kaolin. The test drug significantly suppressed
the formalin-induced arthritis of ankle joint and the fluid exudation in croton oil-induced
granuloma in rats. In acute phase of inflammation, nimbidin (40 mg/kg) was found to
possess significant activity as compared to phenylbutazone (100 mg/kg). Since the
drug was found to be effective in both acute and chronic phases of inflammation it
can be considered as a general anti-inflammatory agent.
Key Word Index
Azadirachta indica - Nimbidin - Anti-arthritic - Anti-inflammatory - Carrageenin and
Kaolin paw oedema - Formaldehyde arthritis - Croton oil granuloma
