The anti-inflammatory action of nepitrin, a flavonoid.

The anti-inflammatory efficacy of nepitrin (5,3',4'-trihydroxy-6-methoxy flavone), a flavonoid, was investigated in both acute and chronic models of inflammation in rats. Nepitrin was found to possess significant anti-inflammatory activity in the exudative and proliferative phases of inflammation. This action of nepitrin could be due to its anti-bradykinin and anti-angiotensin action. Nepitrin also possessed anti-pyretic and weak analgesic activity. The study reveals that nepitrin may be useful as an anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic agent.