Saikogenin A, an anti-inflammatory drug, is present in the crude extract of a Chinese herbal plant called Tsai-Fu. Saikogenin A is less effective in adrenalectomized rats than in normal rats in reducing the carrageenin-induced edema. The anti-inflammatory action of Saikogenin A are due to an increase in corticosterone caused by the release of arenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and a direct effect on the process of inflammation.