Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2011:2(1);138-145. ISSN NO. 2231-6876 Preliminary phytochemical screening, acute toxicity study and anti-inflammatory activity of Pitta sura kudineer S. Balachandar* 1 , R. Nandini 1 , V. Rajalakshimi 1 , J. Esther Jayasheela 1 , P. Sathiyarajeswaran 2 1 Institute of Pharmacology, Madras Medical College, Chennai, TN, India. 2 Central Research Institute for Siddha, Chennai, TN, India. Corresponding author S. Balachandar Institute of Pharmacology, Madras Medical College, Chennai, TN, India Mobile No: 0091 – 9003268177 E-mail: subramb3@gmail.com . INDO AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH Journal home page: http://www.iajpr.com/index.php/en/ ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Article history Received 8 May 2011 Received in revised form 14 June 2011 Accepted 18June 2011 Available online 20 June 2011 Keywords Pitta sura kudineer Phytochemical screening Acute toxicity Carrageenan and anti- inflammatory activity The ethanolic extract of the aerial parts and roots of Pitta sura kudineer formulation was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening, acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory studies. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, gums, and reducing sugars. Acute toxicity study is carried out according to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guideline-423 (OECD) for 14 days. The result of acute toxicity studies (2000 mg/kg b.w.) showed no alteration in the general behavior of animals and showed no mortality and found to be safe. Based on the acute toxicity study, two doses were fixed to be 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg b.w. and used for further studies. Anti-inflammatory study of ethanolic extract was investigated at doses 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg b.w. by using carrageenan-induced paw edema in vivo screening method. Oral administration of ethanolic extract produced significant (P<0.01) decrease in paw edema volume induced by carrageenan. The present study highlighted the anti-inflammatory activity and demonstrated that Pitta sura kudineer has significant anti-inflammatory activity, and also it justifies the traditional use of this formulation in the treatment of various types of pain and inflammation. Please cite this article in press as. Balachandar. S et al. Preliminary phytochemical screening, acute toxicity study and anti- inflammatory activity of Pitta sura kudineer. Indo American Journal of Pharm Research. 2011:2(1);138-145.