A series of 3-(4-biphenyl)-5-substituted phenyl-2-pyrazolines (2a-h) and 1-benzoyl-3-(4-biphenyl)-5-substituted phenyl-2-pyrazolines (3a-h) were synthesized by condensation of chalcones with hydrazine hydrate in solvent system ethanol and DMF. The newly synthesized compounds were screened for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, and were compared with standard drug. Among the compounds studied, compound 2e showed more potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity than the standard drug along with minimum ulcerogenic index. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.