ANTI-PYRETIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OFSOLANUM XANTHOCARPUM BERRIES IN SUITABLE ANIMAL MODELS

Background: Use of traditional medicines for treating various diseases have become a topic of global importance because of their safety, less side effects and cost-effectiveness. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of Solanum xanthocarpum berries (SXB) in suitable animal models. Methods: Anti-pyretic activity was assessed by dried yeast induced pyrexia in rats. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats. Three doses of the plant extract (500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg) prepared by dissolving the drugs in 2% gum acacia were used. Paracetamol 33 mg/kg and aspirin 100 mg/kg were used as standard drugs for anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory activity respectively. Vehicle served as a control drug. Results: Acute toxicity study results demonstrated no mortality of animals after 24 hours. The aqueous extract of the plant significantly decreased the rectal temperature of the rats and significantly prevented increase in volume of paw oedema. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Solanum xanthocarpum berries exerts its anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory activity activity. However, further studies with the plant are required to evaluate the dose dependent activity and also to determine the active principle responsible for exact mechanism for both antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity.