Antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of nilavembu kudineer choornam: a classical preparation used in the treatment of chikungunya fever

Abstract

Objective To investigate the efficacy of ethanolic extract of nilavembu kudineer choornam (EENKC) in inflammation, pain and fever using animal models to support its actions. Methods Acute toxicity study of EENKC was performed in mice to fix the effective dose. The antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of EENKC was evaluated in brewer's yeast induced pyrexia in rats, carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats and acetic-acid induced writhing in mice model. Results Acute toxicity revealed that EENKC didn't show death and toxic signs up to 2 000 mg/kg. In brewer's yeast induced pyrexia and carrageenan-induced inflammation EENKC at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg inhibited fever and inflammation significantly (P<0.01 and <0.05) compared to control animals. In mice, the number of writhing induced by acetic-acid was significantly (P<0.01) reduced after treatment with both the dose of EENKC than control animals. EENKC 200 mg/kg inhibits inflammation higher level in carrageenan-induced paw edema, but there is no significant difference when compared to indomethacin 10 mg/kg. Conclusions The present findings revealed that EENKC possesses antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity which supports nilavembu kudineer choornam efficacy in chikungunya fever.