Pyrexia In Rats Research Articles

Anti-nociceptive and Antipyretic Activities of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Cassia sophera Linn. Leaves

The crude hydroalcoholic extract of Cassia sophera Linn. leaves were investigated for its possible analgesic and antipyretic activities in rodents. The peripheral analgesic activity of C. sophera leaves was studied using acetic acidinduced writhing in mice and central analgesic activity was evaluated by using heat-induced pain in mice. The antipyretic activity of HECS was studied in Brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. All these experiments were done at the doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight. Intraperitoneal administration of C. sophera hydroalcoholic extract (HECS) produced significant (P<0.01) reduction in number of writhing induced by acetic-acid. Moreover, in hotplate test, HECS significantly (P<0.01) raised the pain threshold at different time of observation (0-180 min) in comparison with control. The extract also showed significant as well as dose-dependent antipyretic activity in Brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia in rats throughout the observation period of 4 h. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12573 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 107-111, 2012

Acute toxicity, antipyretic and antinociceptive study of the crude saponin from an edible vegetable: <em>Vernonia amygdalina</em> leaf

Vernonia amygdalina is commonly used for food and health purposes. Processing of the leaf for food is aimed at removing bitter tasting antinutritional principles like saponins. This study was designed to determine the antipyretic and antinociceptive property of the crude saponin from Vernonia amygdalina leaf. Standard procedure for antipyretic study using Saccharomyces cerevisiae induced pyrexia in rats; and acetic acid induced writhe, hot plate and cold tail flick tests for antinociceptive study in mice were used. Data for the crude saponin showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) dose dependent anal temperature decrease. The antinociceptive data in mice was significant (P ≤ 0.05) in the writhing test contrary to the cold tail flick test. In acute toxicity study, an LD 50 of 5.1523 g/kg using oral route indicated it was practically non-toxic. Finding suggests that Vernonia amygdalina leaf prepared as diet could be of potential benefit to ailing persons with fever and/or pains, if processing technique adopts minimal loss of principles like saponins. Keywords : Mice, oral, pain, pyrexia, rat

Phytochemical investigation and simultaneous study on antipyretic, anticonvulsant activity of different leafy extracts of smilax zeylanica Linn

The present study was carried out to investigate the anti-pyretic and anticonvulsant activity of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and ethanol extracts of Smilax zeylanica Linn, leaves using experimental animal models. The extracts were screened for alkaloids, steroids, proteins, flavanoids, saponins, mucilage, carbohydrates, tannins, fats and oils. Anti-pyretic activity was evaluated using the brew- er's yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. The extracts in dose levels of 200 mg/kg orally were used for anti-pyretic studies. The petroleum ether extracts of leaves of Smilax zeylanica Linn produced significant (P<0.01) anti-pyretic activity. Anticonvulsant activity of above extracts was evaluated by using strychnine induced tonic convulsion of Swiss albino mice. All extracts were able to reduce convulsion in mice. The Ethyl acetate extracts of Smilax zeylanica was found to have good anticonvulsant activity in comparison to other extracts which was verified as statistically significant byusing one way ANOVA at 1%level of significance*shows Pv alue<0.01.

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

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.

Comparative antipyretic activity of methanolic extracts of some species of Amaranthus

Objective To provide scientific validation for the antipyretic activities of Amaranthus viridis (Linn.), Amaranthus caudatus (Linn.) and Amaranthus spinosus (Linn.). Methods The antipyretic activity of methanol extracts of all three plants at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg was investigated by yeast induced pyrexia in rats. Paracetamol (150 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as reference drug and control group received distilled water. Rectal temperatures of all the rats were recorded and compared at 19 h, immediately before extract or vehicle or paracetamol administration, and again at 1 h interval up to 24 h by thermal probe Eliab themistor thermometer. Results At 400 mg/kg dose all the three methanolic extracts showed significant ( P<0.01) reduction in yeast provoked elevated temperature as compared with that of standard drug paracetamol, whereas 200 mg/kg dose is less effective when compared with higher dose ( P<0.05). Conclusions The results show that methanol extract of three plants of Amaranthus possesses a significant antipyretic effect in maintaining reducing yeast-induced elevated body temperature in rats and their effects were comparable to that of the standard antipyretic drug paracetamol.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of friedelin isolated from Azima tetracantha Lam. in mouse and rat models

Friedelin was isolated from Azima tetracantha Lam. leaves collected from Kallakurichi, Villuppuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of friedelin have been investigated in Wistar rats and mice. Friedelin was isolated from the hexane extract of leaves of A. tetracantha using column chromatography. The effects of friedelin on inflammation were studied by using carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema, croton oil-induced ear oedema, acetic acid-induced vascular permeability, cotton pellet-induced granuloma and adjuvant-induced arthritis. The analgesic effect of friedelin was evaluated using the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction response, formalin-induced paw licking response and the hot-plate test. The antipyretic effect of friedelin was evaluated using the yeast-induced hyperthermia test in rats. In the acute phase of inflammation, maximum inhibitions of 52.5 and 68.7% (P<0.05) were noted with 40 mg/kg friedelin in carrageenan-induced paw oedema and croton oil-induced ear oedema, respectively. Administration of friedelin (40 mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05) decreased the formation of granuloma tissue induced by cotton pellet at a rate of 36.3%. In the adjuvant-induced arthritis test friedelin inhibited 54.5% of paw thickness. Friedelin inhibited acetic acid-induced vascular permeability in mice. Friedelin also produced significant (P<0.05) analgesic activity in the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction response and formalin-induced paw licking response. In the hot-plate test, friedelin did not show any significant results when compared with control. Treatment with friedelin showed a significant (P<0.05) dose-dependent reduction in pyrexia in rats. The results suggested that friedelin possessed potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities.

Anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic effects of methanol extract of Cariniana rubra stem bark in animal models

Cariniana rubra Miers (Lecythidaceae), popularly known as "jequitibá-vermelho'', is a large Brazilian tree whose bark is used in infusion and decoction for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. This study aims to assess the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic effects of Cariniana rubra methanolic stem bark extract (EM Cr) using experimental animals. Anti-inflammatory activity of EM Cr was tested on carrageenan and dextran-induced rat paw edema, carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats and acetic acid-increase vascular permeability in mice. Antinociceptive and antipyretic activities were evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and hot-plate tests in mice, as well as brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. The extract inhibitied carrageenan and dextran-induced edema, reduced exudate volume and leukocyte migration on the carrageenan-induced pleurisy and on the vascular permeability increase induced by acetic acid. The EM Cr inhibited nociception on the acetic acid-induced writhing and in the second phase of formalin test, and decreased rectal temperature. It was, however, inactive against thermal nociception.Phytochemical analysis with EM Cr showed the occurrence of saponins, triterpenes, sterols and phenolic compounds. Phytosterols (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol), pentacyclic triterpenes (α- and β-amyrin as a mixture), arjunolic acid, a phytosterol glycoside (sitosterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside), and triterpenoid saponins (28-β-glucopyranosyl-23-O-acetyl arjunolic acid; 3-O-β-glucopyranosyl arjunolic acid and 28-O-[α-L-Rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-glucopyranosyl]-23- O-acetyl arjunolic acid) were the main identified compounds. It can be presumed that EM Cr caused their effects by inhibiting the liberation and/or action of different inflammatory mediators. These findings support the traditional use of Cariniana rubra preparations to treat inflammation.

Antiinflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic effects of hydroethanolic extract from Macrosiphonia velame (A. St.-Hil.) M. Arg. in animal models

Macrosiphonia velame (Apocynaceae), popularly known as "velame-branco", is mainly used for treating inflammatory conditions. The antiinflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic effects of the hydroethanolic extract of the xylopodium from M. velame (HEMv) were evaluated using several animal models. HEMv showed low acute oral toxicity with LD50 of 4.176 ± 218.5 mg/kg in mice. In tests of carrageenan and dextran-induced paw edema and carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats, and croton oil-induced cutaneous dermatitis in mice, HEMv presented systemic and topical antiinflammatory activities. In experiments of nociception induced by acetic acid, formalin and capsaicin in mice, the HEMv evidenced an antinociceptive effect, being active against both inflammatory and neurogenic pain. Additionally, the HEMv prevented brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. It is likely that the pharmacologic mechanism of HEMv may involve the inhibition of different mediators of the inflammatory response, such as histamine, serotonin, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. A preliminary phytochemical study was also undertaken on HEMv, which revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, pentacyclic triterpenoids, saponins, coumarins, catechins, tannins, and alkaloids. Taken together, these results suggest that M. velame extract has antiinflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic properties and further validate the traditional use of this plant in inflammatory conditions.

Acute toxicity study and antipyretic effect of the brown alga Turbinaria conoides (J. Agardh) Kuetz.

The active principles of brown alga, Turbinaria conoides (J.Agardh) Kuetz. (Sargassaceae) was extracted with n-hexane, cyclohexane, methanol and ethanol-water (1:1) and investigated for acute toxicity and antipyretic activity. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of steroids, flavonoids and reducing sugars. Acute toxicity study was performed in Wistar rats after administration of extracts orally. No mortality was observed up to the dose of 5 g/kg for methanol and ethanol-water (1:1) extracts whereas n-hexane and cyclohexane extracts were found to be toxic at the dose levels of 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg respectively. In biochemical analysis, n-hexane, cyclohexane and ethanol-water (1:1) extracts caused a significant (P<0.01) increase in serum cholesterol, protein and alkaline phosphatase levels. In haematological studies, a significant difference was observed for cyclohexane and ethanol-water (1:1) extracts in polymorphs, lymphocytes and eosinophils when compared to the control. Antipyretic activity of extracts (100-400 mg/kg doses) was carried out on yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. Cyclohexane extract exhibited more significant antipyretic activity (P<0.01) than the other extracts at a dose of 200 mg/kg (54.43%), which was comparable to that of paracetamol at a dose of 33 mg/kg. The findings validated the use of this brown alga in traditional cure of children's fever.

Analgesic and Antipyretic Activities of Ethanol Extract of Stereospermum Suaveolens

ABSTRACT.Ethanol extract from the stem bark of Stereospermum suaveolens (Roxb.) DC (Bignoniaceae), given orally at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, was assessed for analgesic and antipyretic properties on different experimental animal models. Administration of ethanol extract of Stereospermum suaveolens (EESS) produced significant (p < .05, p < .001) dose-dependent analgesic effect in the tail flick, hot plate, and tail clip (central) as well as in acetic acid-induced writhing (peripheral) nociceptive tests in mice, suggesting the involvement of both central and peripheral mechanisms in alleviating the pain response. In the current study, indomethacin, aspirin, and morphine were used as the standard analgesic drugs. In addition, EESS also exhibited a significant (p < .05, p < .001) dose-dependent antipyretic response in Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in rats and the results were comparable with that of paracetamol, a standard antipyretic agent. These results showed that the EESS possesses potent analgesic and antipyretic activity by dose-dependent manner, in various experimental animal models.

Analgesic and antipyretic activities of Momordica charantia linn. fruits

Plant Momordica charantia Linn. belongs to family Cucurbitaceae. It is known as bitter gourd in English and karela in Hindi. Earlier claims show that the plant is used in stomachic ailments as a carminative tonic; as an antipyretic and antidiabetic agent; and in rheumatoid arthritis and gout. The fruit has been claimed to contain charantin, steroidal saponin, momordium, carbohydrates, mineral matters, ascorbic acid, alkaloids, glucosides, etc. The ethanolic extract of the fruit showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, steroids, proteins, and carbohydrates. The present study was carried out using acetic acid-induced writhing and tail-immersion tests in mice, while yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. The ethanolic extracts (250 and 500 mg/kg, po.) showed an analgesic and antipyretic effect, which was significantly higher than that in the control rats. The observed pharmacological activities provide the scientific basis to support traditional claims as well as explore some new and promising leads.

Preliminary studies on local anesthetic and antipyretic activities of Spilanthes acmella Murr. in experimental animal models

Objective:Spilanthes acmella Murr. (Family: Compositae) is a herb that grows throughout the tropics. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism, fever, sore throat, and hemorrhoids. A tincture of the flowers is used to relieve toothache. The leaves and flowers produce numbness of the tongue when eaten as salad. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the local anesthetic and antipyretic activities of S. acmella in experimental animal models.Materials and Methods:Aqueous extract of S. acmella Murr. (SAM) was tested for local anesthetic action by (i) intracutaneous wheal in guinea pigs and (ii) plexus anesthesia in frogs. In both the models, 2% xylocaine was used as the standard drug. The anti-pyretic activity was determined by yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. Aspirin 300 mg/kg was used as the standard drug.Result:The test drug in concentrations of 10% and 20% produced 70.36% and 87.02% anesthesia respectively by the intracutaneous wheal compared to 97.22% anesthetic effect produced by 2% xylocaine (P<0.001). The mean onset of anesthesia with the test drug was 5.33±0.57 min compared to 2.75±0.31 min (P<0.001) for the standard drug in the plexus anesthesia model. In the anti-pyretic model, ASA in doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg produced dose-dependent reduction in mean temperature at various hours of observation.Conclusion:The present study shows that SAM has significant local anesthetic and antipyretic activities.

Antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of Mimusops elengi Linn

In the present study, 70% ethanol extract of Mimusops elengi Linn. bark was assessed for antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities in animals. The antiinflammatory activity of ethanol extract of Mimusops elengi (200 mg/kg, p.o) was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma models. Analgesic effect was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing and Eddy’s hot plate models and antipyretic activity was assessed by Brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. The ethanol extract of Mimusops elengi (200 mg/kg, p.o) significantly inhibited the carrageenan-induced paw oedema at 3rd and 4th h and in cotton pellet model it reduced the transudative weight and little extent of granuloma weight. In analgesic models the ethanol extract of Mimusops elengi decreases the acetic acid-induced writhing and it also reduces the rectal temperature in Brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia. However, Mimusops elengi did not increase the latency time in the hot plate test. These results show that ethanol extract of Mimusops elengi has an antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity.

Synthesis, spectral characterization, and pharmacological screening of some 4-[{1-(aryl)methylidene}-amino]-3-(4-pyridyl)-5-mercapto-4H-1,2,4-triazole derivatives

Background:Pain is an unpleasant and subjective sensation that results from a harmful sensorial stimulation, which alerts the body about current or potential damage to its tissues and organs. Fever is a complex physiological response triggered by infections or aseptic stimuli. Elevation in body temperature occurs when the concentration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increases within parts of the brain. Triazole derivatives have been found to possess various pharmacological and biological activities, such as, anti-inflammatory, analgesics, antipyretic, and antifungal.Materials and Methods:Various 4-[{1-(aryl)methylidene}-amino]-3-(4-pyridyl)-5-mercapto-4H-1,2,4-triazole derivatives were synthesized by a sequence of reactions starting from isonicotinic acid hydrazide. The synthesized compounds were screened for in-vivo analgesic by the tail-flick method and anti-pyretic activities at a dose of 25 and 100 mg/kg body weight respectively. The antipyretic activity was evaluated using Brewer's yeast induced pyrexia in rats. Fever was induced by subcutaneously injecting 20 ml/kg of 20% aqueous suspension of Brewer's yeast in normal saline.Results and Discussion:The analgesic screening results revealed that the compounds 3b, 3c, and 3d exhibited excellent analgesic activity at 60 and 90 minutes compared to the standard drug (Analgin). Results revealed that the compounds 3a, 3e, and 3f significantly decreased the temperature of pyretic (P<0.001) rats at one, three and six hours after compound administration as compared to Aspirin (standard drug).Conclusion:Compounds 3b, 3c, and 3d exhibited significant analgesic activity comparable with the standard drug analgin, using the tail flick model. Compounds 3a, 3e, and 3f showed significant anti-pyretic activities comparable with the standard drug aspirin using the yeast-induced pyrexia model.

Screening of anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity of Vitex leucoxylon Linn

Objective:This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity of ethyl acetate extract of Vitex leucoxylon Linn. in various animal experimental models.Materials and Methods:Ethyl acetate extract of V. leucoxylon Linn. evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan, mediator-induced rat paw edema, and cotton pellet-induced granuloma model. The antipyretic activity was evaluated by yeast-induced pyrexia model.Results:Single administration of the ethyl acetate extract of V. leucoxylon Linn. at dose of 500 mg/kg p.o. showed significant (P < 0.001) inhibition of rat paw edema. The ethyl acetate extract showed significant antipyretic activity in brewer yeast-induced pyrexia in rats throughout the observation period of 4 h.Conclusion:This study shows that ethyl acetate extract of V. leucoxylon Linn. has significant anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity.

Pharmacological evidence favouring the use of Nauclea latifolia in malaria ethnopharmacy: Effects against nociception, inflammation, and pyrexia in rats and mice

Aim of the study Nauclea latifolia Smith is used traditionally in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria and painful conditions among its several other applications. The objective of this study is to investigate the pharmacological activities of the plant relevant to the symptomatic treatment of malaria fever and other painful conditions as an initial step towards developing an effective therapy for the symptomatic management of malaria fever and relief of other painful conditions. Materials and methods Various concentrations of the aqueous extract of the root bark of this plant were evaluated for its anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities in mice and rats. Investigation of the anti-nociceptive activities was performed using the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction and hot-plate tests in mice and formalin-induced pain test in rats, as models of nociception. The extract was also investigated for its effect against inflammation induced by egg-albumin and pyrexia induced by yeast in rats. Results Our data showed that the aqueous extract of Nauclea latifolia root bark (50–200 mg/kg p.o.) significantly ( P < 0.05) attenuated writhing episodes induced by acetic acid and increased the threshold for pain perception in the hot-plate test in mice, dose-dependently. The product also remarkably decreased both the acute and delayed phases of formalin-induced pain in rats and also caused a significant reduction in both yeast-induced pyrexia and egg-albumin-induced oedema in rats. These effects were produced in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion The results suggest the presence of biologically active principles in the extract with anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities that justifies its use in malaria ethnopharmacy and subsequent development for clinical application.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of the ethanol extract of the seeds of &lt;i&gt;buchholzia coriacea&lt;/i&gt; in experimental animals

The effects of the ethanol extract from Buchholzia coriacea seed on inflammatory response using fresh egg albumin- induced paw edema in rats were examined. Antinociceptive activity of the extract using writhing test with acetic acid-induced pain in mice and the antipyretic activity in yeast- induced fever in rats were also examined. Oral administration of the extract (at the dose of 400mg/kg and in a dose dependent manner) significantly (p< 0.05) decreased the paw oedema induced by fresh egg albumin in rats. The extract (at 400mg/kg) also significantly (p< 0.05) inhibited yeast-induced pyrexia in rats when compared to the control. The extract was also found to possess significant (p< 0.05) dose dependent antinociceptive response in mice at 800 mg /kg. The results support the use of Buchholzia extract for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antipyretic Activities of Hygrophila spinosa T. Anders Leaves (Acanthaceae)

Purpose: Hygrophila spinosa T. Anders (Acanthaceae) is commonly used in the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of inflammation, pain, jaundice, rheumatism, arthritis, anaemia, etc. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of the petroleum ether, chloroform, alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the leaf of this plant.Methods: The anti-inflammatory activity of the various extracts was studied based on their effects on carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats while antipyretic activity was evaluated on the basis of their effect on Brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. The extracts were screened for alkaloids, steroids, proteins, flavonoids, saponins, mucilage, carbohydrates,organic acids, fats and oils. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, proteins, flavonoids, fats and oils, tannins, mucilage and organic acids in the leaves of H. spinosa. Chloroform and alcoholic extracts of leaves of H. spinosa produced significant (p

Immunomodulatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of violacein isolated from Chromobacterium violaceum

Violacein was isolated from Chromobacterium violaceum, a soil Gram negative bacterium collected from the forest water body soil sample of Kolli Hills; Tamil Nadu, India. In the present study the immunomodulatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of violacein were investigated in wistar rats and mice. Analgesic effect was evaluated by acetic acid- induced writhing, formalin induced paw licking and hotplate tests. Immunomodulatory effect was investigated by using ovalbumin- induced active paw anaphylaxis and sheep red blood cells (SRBC)-induced DTH tests. Antipyretic activity was evaluated by yeast- induced hyperpyrexia in rats. The anti- oedema effect was compared with indomethacin. Violacein inhibited 42.9% of ovalbumin- induced edema. Further we found that violacein (40mg/kg b.w.) reduced the edema induced by sheep red blood cells. Violacein also produced significant (p<0.05) analgesic activity in acetic acid induced writhing response, formalin induced paw licking response and hot plate analysis. Treatment with violacein showed a significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent reduction in pyrexia in rats. The results suggest that violacein possesses potent immunomodulatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities.

Antipyretic and antinociceptive properties of mentha longifolia Huds. (Lamiaceae) leaf aqueous extract in rats and mice

The antipyretic and antinociceptive properties of Mentha longifolia Huds. (Lamiaceae) leaf aqueous extract were investigated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pyrexia in rats, and acetic acid and hot plate analgesia tests in mice. Pentoxifylline, paracetamol and morphine were used as standard drugs for comparison. M. longifolia leaf aqueous extract and pentoxifylline (37.5-150 mg/kg i.p.) significantly (P < 0.05-0.02) reduced the LPS (50 g/kg i.m.)-elicited pyrexia. Pentoxifylline (50 mg/kg i.p.) also significantly (P < 0.01) reduced LPS (50 g/kg i.m.)-induced pyrexia. M. longifolia leaf aqueous extract (6.25-100 mg/kg i.p.) and paracetamol (500 mg/kg i.p.) profoundly inhibited the writhes produced by 3% acetic acid. Furthermore, the plant extract (25-400 mg/kg i.p.) and morphine (10 mg/kg i.p.) significantly (P < 0.001) delayed the hot plate reaction time in mice. The LD(50) values for oral and intraperitoneal administration of the plant extract were > 3200 mg/kg and 1730 mg/kg, respectively. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides and triterpene steroids in the leaves of M. longifolia. These data indicate that M. longifolia leaf aqueous extract has antipyretic and antinociceptive properties. Furthermore, the relatively high LD(50) values obtained for oral and intraperitoneal administration of the plant extract demonstrate that the plant extract is non-toxic to mice.