Isolation and X-ray study of an anti-inflammatory active androstene steroid from Acacia nilotica

3beta-Acetoxy-17beta-hydroxy-androst-5-ene was isolated from aerial parts of Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd (Mimosaceae). The structure of this compound was established by spectral analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The steroid showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity against TPA-induced mouse earedema.