Research Article
EVALUATION OF ACUTE TOXICITY, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY AND PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA LEAVES
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 administration 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 acute 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 antiinflammatory activity. The extract lowers the carrageenan induced rats paw oedema. Further pharmacological and biochemical investigation are essential to elucidate the mechanism of action.
