Antipyretic Activity of Root of Marsdenia tenacissima in Rats

Abstract

Objective : To evaluate ethanol & aqueous extracts of root of Marsdenia tenacissima Wight & Arn. at different doses (100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg p.o.) for antipyretic activity in yeast induced pyrexia in rats. Materials and Methods : The ethanol extract of root of Marsdenia tenacissima was obtained by continuous soxhlet extraction and aqueous extract by cold maceration process. Both the extracts were subjected to phytochemical investigation to identify the phytoconstituents and further assessed for antipyretic activity by yeast induced pyrexia in experimental rats and compared with standard drug, Paracetamol. Results : Upon evaluation of antipyretic activity on experimental animals, the ethanol and aqueous extracts at the dose (100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg p.o.) showed significant (P < 0.01) antipyretic activity as observed from evaluation parameter. The ethanol and aqueous extracts revealed the presence of steroid glycosides, alkaloids, saponins on qualitative chemical tests. Conclusion : From the results, it can be concluded that the active ethanol and aqueous extracts (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg p.o.) of root of Marsdenia tenacissima is worthwhile to develop the bioactive principles for antipyretic activity.