Anti-inflammatory studies on Adenanthera pavonina seed extract

A methanol extract of the seeds of Adenanthera pavonina was evaluated for pharmacological effects in animal models. The extract (50–200 mg/kg) produced statistically significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of the carrageenan-induced paw oedema in the rat, as well as the acetic-acid-induced vascular permeability in mice. At doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, pleurisy induced with carrageenan was also inhibited. The extract (50–200 mg/kg) exhibited a dose-dependent and significant (P < 0.05) analgesic activity in the acetic-induced writhing in mice. In addition, both early and late phases of the formalin-induced paw licking in mice was inhibited by the extract. Acute toxicity studies revealed that the extract produced reduced motor activity. The LD₅₀ value of the extract was found to be 1.36 g/kg. This study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of A. pavonina extract.