Anti-inflammatory test using xylene-induced oedema model

A total of 166-week old Swiss albino mice models (equal number of males and females) were grouped into 4 groups of four animals each. Group 1 was given equivalent volume of the vehicle (5% Tween 80) on the posterior part of the left ear. Group II received 500 µg/ear of diclofenac gel. Group III received 250 µg/ear of the extract while group IV received 500 µg/ear of the extract. About 10 min after treatment, inflammation was induced by topical administration of 10 µL of xylene at the anterior part of the treated ear. Two hours after the induction, the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. A Cork borer of 6 mm diameter was used to punch out a section of both the treated and the untreated ears. The weight of each ear was determined using an analytical weighing balance. Anti-inflammatory activity was calculated as percentage inhibition of oedema using the formula: