A methanol extract of the seeds of Adenanthera pavonina was evaluated for pharmacological effects in animal models. The extract (50-200 mg/kg) produced statistically significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of the carrageenan-induced paw oedema in the rat, as well as the acetic-acid-induced vascular permeability in mice. At doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, pleurisy induced with carrageenan was also inhibited. The extract (50-200 mg/kg) exhibited a dose-dependent and significant (P < 0.05) analgesic activity in the acetic-induced writhing in mice. In addition, both early and late phases of the formalin-induced paw licking in mice was inhibited by the extract. Acute toxicity studies revealed that the extract produced reduced motor activity. The LD50 value of the extract was found to be 1.36 g/kg. This study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of A. pavonina extract.