Antipyretic Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Leaves of Colocasia esculenta

Abstract

In this paper the antipyretic effect of the Hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Colocasia esculenta against Brewer yeast induced pyrexia model in Wistar rats of either sex was investigated. Colocasia esculenta (Apiaceae) is a tropical perennial plant. It contain flavonoids, alkaloids, apigenin, anthocyanin, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, protein, fat, calcium and iron, Fever induced in the animal (rats) by the injection 15%w/v of brewer’s yeast suspension (10mg/kg according to body weight of rats) subcutaneously in the back below the nape of the neck. . After 18 hr. of Brewer’s yeast injection and rise in rectal temperature was recorded. The temperature of animal was recorded at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4hr after drug administration. Paracetamol (100 mg/kg p. o.) was used as standard drug. The group received Hydroalcoholic extract 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg showed significant decrease in rectal temperature respectively as compared with the group received standard drug. All the values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation and analysed for ANOVA. Differences between controls, standard ant test groups were considered significant at P < 0.001 levels. . The Hydroalcoholic extract of Colocasia esculenta leaves (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) possesses dose dependent, significant antipyretic activity against Brewer yeast induced pyrexia.
 Keywords: Antipyretic activity, ethanolic extract, Colocasia esculenta, Dunnet’s t –test, ANOVA.