Study on antipyretic activity of Rumex vesicarius leaves extract in albino rabbits.

Aim: The present study was planned to investigate the possible antipyretic activity of methanolic leaves extract of Rumex vesicarius against various protocols of experimentally induced pyrexia in rabbits. Materials and Methods: Ninety healthy adult albino rabbits were divided into three groups (A, B, C), 30 rabbits in each group. Pyrexia was induced by three different protocols, i.e. boiled milk (0.5 ml/kg body weight, intra-peritonealy), Brewer's yeast (10 ml/kg, subcutenously) and D-amphetamine (5 mg/kg, i.p.), to the groups A, B and C respectively. Each group was further subdivided into five sub groups (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) each having 6 animals. Sub group-1 served as positive control group; sub group-2 was treated with aspirin (10 mg/kg, orally) standard antipyretic agent; sub group-3, 4 and 5 were treated orally with methanolic leaves extract of Rumex vesicarius at dose rate of 80, 120 and 160 mg/kg body weight respectively. The hypothermic effect was observed at different time intervals in each protocol. Results: Rumex vesicarius L. significantly (p<0.05) lowered the elevated temperature in all scenarios. Maximum antipyretic effect was observed at 3h of post induction pyrexia in group A and at 4h after pyrexia in the groups B and C. Moreover, the antipyretic effect was concentration dependent and comparable to the standard aspirin at higher doses. Conclusion: The leaves of Rumex vesicarius have the antipyretic action in dose dependent manner, based upon this scientific validation, the claims of the local communities are true. The exact mode of action of this plant is still not clear, however, a single or a number of bioactive compounds of the plant may be responsible for its antipyretic activity.