Anti-inflammatory effect of neem leaf extract (NLE) on albino rats

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a divine tree known since prehistoric times and utilized by mankind in various diseases. Based on the evidence of its anti-inflammatory principles and rich medicinal values the present study has been taken up to evaluate the anti-inflammatory action using the Neem Leaf Extract (NLE).The present study is a randomised control study. The study was divided into 6 groups each group consisting of 6 rats: Group I: Control (distilled water 0.5ml/rat); Group II: Standard (Aspirin 200mg/kg body weight orally); Group III, IV, V, VI (NLE 62.5, 125,250, 500 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally respectively). The experimental model used in this study was the Carrageenan induced rat paw oedema. Results were statistically analyzed by applying unpaired't' test. All values of p< 0.05 were taken as significant. NLE with 62.5 mg/kg body weight did not show any significant reduction in oedema, but NLE in dose of 125 mg/kg weight showed significant reduction of oedema at 3^rd and 4^th hour. NLE with 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight inhibited the oedema by 52.32 % and 63.01 %, respectively at 4^th hour of Carrageenan injection. Thus the present study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory action of NLE which increased with the progressive increase with dose.