Studies on the mechanism of action of Semecarpus anacardium in rheumatoid arthritis.

Semecarpus anacardium nuts are used for variety of disorders in Ayurveda. A chloroform extract of the nut significantly reduced acute carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats and was active against the secondary lesions of adjuvant-induced arthritis. Delayed hypersensitivity induced in mice by sheep red blood cells as an antigen was potentiated by the extract.