Anti-pyretic Potential of Dichloromethanolic Root Extract of Clutia abyssinica in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Fever is a symptom that is associated with pathological processes in animal body. It is mostly presented in a number of infections and diseases. Although, fever is utilized by the immune system as a means of defense against infections and diseases, it lowers the quality of life. Since fever brings discomfort to the victims it requires medication. Synthetic drugs that are used to manage fever are inaccessible and are associated with adverse effects. Herbal medicines are deemed to be safe, have good efficacy and are assumed to have fewer side effects. C. abyssinica has been used traditionally by Kallenjin community to manage fever among other ailments. However, ethnomedicinal use of the C. abyssinica lacks scientific validation. The study was designed to determine the antipyretic potential of dichloromethane root extracts of C. abyssinica on turpentine-induced pyrexia in Wistar albino rat. Thirty Wistar albino rats aged 8-9 weeks and weighing 120-140 g were grouped into normal group, positive control, negative control and three experimental groups. The laboratory animals were administered with the dichloromethane root extract at 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg body weight. The dichloromethane root extract reduced the elevated rectal temperature between 0.68 and 3.34%, while the reference drug reduced between 3.32 and 4.96%. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the root extract showed the presences of various phytochemicals compounds associated with antipyretic activities. The present study demonstrated antipyretic potential of C. abyssinica in Wistar albino rats and thus the traditional use of the C. abyssinica was scientifically confirmed.