Four dolabrane derivatives isolated from Endospermum diadenum have been studied for their inhibitory effects on murine models of inflammation and human neutrophil functions in vitro. After topical application, akendo 1, akendo 2 and akendo 3 potently inhibited the mouse ear oedema induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA) with a striking effect on myeloperoxidase levels. After oral administration, akendo 2 and akendo 3 inhibited mouse paw oedema induced by carrageenan, with a significant reduction in myeloperoxidase levels. In contrast to indomethacin, they did not modify the prostaglandin E2 content of the inflammed paw. None of the compounds affected superoxide generation by human neutrophils. On the contrary, they inhibited degranulation induced by different stimuli. The most effective compounds were akendo 2 and akendo 3, which also inhibited myeloperoxidase activity. All compounds were weak inhibitors of leukotriene B4 synthesis and release by human neutrophils, whereas only akendo 3 decreased 5-lipoxygenase activity. Cyclo-oxygenase-1 from human platelets was inhibited mainly by akendo 2 and akendo 3, although with a low potency. The latter compound also reduced weakly the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 by cyclo-oxygenase-2. The anti-inflammatory activity of these dolabrane derivatives was not related to arachidonic acid mobilization or metabolism.