STUDIES ON THE ANTIINFLAMMATORY, ANTIPYRETIC AND ANALGESIC ACTIVITIESOF SANTONIN

Santonin, a sesquiterpene lactone, commonly found in the plants of the family Compositae was found to show significant antiinflammatory acti vity on acute inflammatory processes. The activity profile of santonin closely resembled that of a standard non-steroidal antiinflammatory d rug, diclofenac sodium. It also showed a significant inhibitory effect on granuloma formation; however, this effect of santonin was less pro nounced as compared to diclofenac sodium. Santonin caused a significan t antipyretic effect in mice, which was found to be independent of the route of administration of the drug, It also increased the hot plate reaction time of treated mice, similar to morphine.