Reactive oxygen species such as superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and peroxynitrite have been reported to play a critical role in the process of inflammation in various tissues. In skin, reactive oxygen species can be produced by chemical ionization, UV radiation and enzymatically by polymorphonuclear leukocytes that infiltrate the sites of infection 1 . Excessive reactive oxygen species cause extensive damage to DNA, proteins and lipids and have been reported to be pro-inflammatory mediators 2 .Inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 are known to be key enzymes in inflammation and oxidative stress 3 . The inducible nitric oxide synthase produces a highly reactive nitrogen radical 4 (nitric oxide) and cyclooxygenase-2 produces prostaglandins that contribute to the pain of inflammation 5 . These two enzymes, which are related to pathological conditions of inflammation, are highly induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interferon γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) 6 . Thus, the inhibitory activities of these proteins and their mRNAs have proved useful in a variety cell culture studies and animal inflammatory models 7 .Zea mays Linn (ZMS) has been used as oriental traditional medicine for the treatment of dysuria, uricosuria, edema, cystitis, gout, kidney stones and nephritis 8,9 . Several flavonoids

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