Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of leaf essential oil from Murraya koenigii Spreng

The leaves of Murraya koenigii Spreng. [Fam. Rutaceae] has been used traditionally as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, alexiteric, anthelmintic, febrifuge and reported to be useful in leucoderma and blood disorders. In the present study, the leaf essential oil was isolated and studied for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities on standard laboratory animal models. Ibuprofen and pentazocine were used as reference standards in anti-inflammatory and analgesic screening models respectively. The present study indicates that the essential oil of Murraya koenigii leaves possesses significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. The study further justifies its use in pain and inflammation as suggested in the folklore medicines