Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Various Fractions of Azadirachta indica Leaf in Experimental Animals

The methanol extract of its leaf was investigated for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in animal models. The hydro-alcoholic extract, ethyl acetae and n-butanol fractions at 100 mg/kg body weight reduced significantly the formation of oedema induced by carrageenan. In the acetic acid-induced writhing model, the extract and the fractions had a good analgesic effect (P<0.01) characterized by a reduction in the number of writhes when compared to the control. In tail flick method, the extract and all the fractions at 100 mg/kg showed significant activity (P<0.01) after 30 minutes. These results were also comparable to those of indomethacin, the reference drug used in this study. Acute toxicity test showed that the plant may be safe for pharmacological uses. This study has provided some justification for the folkloric use of the plant in several communities for conditions such as pain and inflammations.