Antipyretic activity of aqueous extracts of Andrographispaniculata and Carica papaya in Wistar albino rats – A comparative study

Abstract

Background: Andrographispaniculata(AP) and Carica papaya(CP) are extensively distributed in South India and traditional healers use these plant preparations for treating various disorders including fever. Individual studies on AP & CP have shown that both have anti-pyretic property. However, it is not known what would be the effect when both the extracts are given together. Hence this study was undertaken.Objectives:To evaluate the anti-pyretic activity of aqueous extract of Andrographispaniculata & Carica papaya individually and in combination in rats. To compare the anti-pyretic activity of aqueous extract of Andrographispaniculata & Carica papaya individually and in combination with that of paracetamol in rats.Methods:48 adult male rats were divided in to 8 groups of 6 animals each. Fever was induced by injecting Brewer's yeast subcutaneously. Control group received normal saline 10ml/kg, standard group paracetamol 150mg/kg and the 6 test groups received AP 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, CP 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and AP with CP 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg. Rectal temperature was measured at baseline, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours. Results: Individual plant extracts of AP & CP significantly reduced the body temperature when compared to control (P<0.05). The combination of AP & CP 200mg/kg had shown significant reduction in body temperature which was comparable to standard drug paracetamol. CP had better antipyretic activity when compared to AP at 200mg/kg (P<0.05).Conclusion:The combination of both the plant extracts had better antipyretic action compared to individual plant extract and the antipyretic activity of the combination was comparable to paracetamol.