Investigation of In Vivo Antipyretic Activity of Thottea dependens leaves
- Author:
Ahmed QU
;
Radhiyah I
;
Siti Zaiton MS
- Publication Type:Original Articles
- Keywords:
Thottea dependens, Brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia, albino mice
- From:
The International Medical Journal Malaysia
2015;14(2):11-16
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Leaves of Thottea dependens have been used as folk medicine in Malaysia for the treatment of
several conditions involving pain and inflammation with accompanying pyrexia. However, there is no scientific
evidence for its effectiveness to treat fever. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-pyretic
activity of methanol (MeOH) and aqueous (Aq) extracts of T. dependens leaves in albino mice (ICR strain).
Methods: Thirty-six albino mice of both sexes, randomized into six groups (n=6) were used. Group I served as
the control and received only the vehicle, normal saline. Group II received paracetamol 150 mg/kg body weight
(b.w.) orally, groups III and IV received 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. of the MeOH extract while groups V and VI
received 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. of the Aq extract orally. Pyrexia was induced by a subcutaneous injection of
10 mL/kg b.w. of 15% (w/v) yeast suspended in 0.5% (w/v) methylcellulose solution. LD50 of both extracts were
determined according to the method of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines.
Phytochemical screening was carried out qualitatively for the presence of different class of biologically active
compounds. Results: LD50 values for both extracts were found to be greater than 1000 mg/kg b.w. indicating
the wide margin of safety of T. dependens leaves. The MeOH extract at 200 mg/kg b.w. showed statistically
significant (P<0.01) dose dependent reduction of brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia in albino mice. Flavonoids,
saponins and phenolic compounds were found to be major biologically active phytoconstituents in MeOH extract.
Conclusion: The study showed that T. dependens leaves possess significant anti-pyretic activity, thus justifying
its ethnomedicinal use in Malaysia to treat fever.
