Anti‑inflammatory activity of root bark and stem bark of Shyonaka.

Background: Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum Vent.; Bignoniaceae) root bark is one of the ingredients of dashamoola (a group of 10 roots), and is used for its anti‑inflammatory and analgesic action in a number of compound formulations in Ayurveda. Aim: Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) recommends using the stem bark instead of root bark. Material and Methods: An attempt has been made to study the anti‑inflammatory activity of both root bark and stem bark kashaya (decoction) experimentally. Conclusion: Results showed significant anti-inflammatory activity of root bark and stem bark decoction.