Antipyretic Properties of Methanol Stem Bark Extracts of Acacia hockii De Wild and Kigelia africana (Lam) Benth in Wistar Rats
Loading...
Date
2016
Authors
Kamau, J.K.
Nthiga, P.M.
Safari, V.C.
Njagi, S.M.
Mwonjoria, J.K.
Ngugi, M.P.
Ngeranwa, J.J.N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
OMICS International
Abstract
Synthetic antipyretic drugs are not readily accessible and have adverse side effects. Herbal medicines possess
bioactive compounds that are safer and efficient in the management of various diseases and disorders. Acacia hockii
and Kigelia africana are traditionally used to manage pyrexia among the Embu and Mbeere communities in Kenya
but lack scientific data to validate their use. The present study evaluated for the antipyretic activity of the A. hockii
and K. africana in rat models to scientifically validate their traditional use. The plant samples were collected with
the help of local herbalists in Embu County, Kenya and transported to Kenyatta University for cleaning, air drying,
milling, and extraction. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of 5 animals each; normal
control, positive control, negative control, and three experimental groups. The antipyretic effect was assessed using
turpentine-induced pyrexia method. The antipyretic activities of the extracts were compared to reference drug aspirin.
The stem bark extract of A. hockii reduced the raised rectal temperature by between 0.62-3.88% while the stem bark
extract of K. africana reduced the elevated rectal temperature by between 0.06-3.07%. The reference drug aspirin
reduced the rectal temperature of pyretic rats by between 0.63-3.1%. The qualitative phytochemical screening of
the two extracts indicated the presence of flavonoid, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, terpenoids which are associated
with the antipyretic activity. The present study demonstrated potent antipyretic activities of methanolic extracts of A.
hockii and K. africana in a dose-dependent manner after the second hour of the treatment period, which supports
their traditional use. The present study, therefore, recommends the ethnomedicinal use of K. africana and A. hockii
in the management of pyrexia
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Kigelia africana, Acacia hockii, Pyrexia, Turpentine, PGE2
Citation
Kamau JK, Nthiga PM, Safari VC, Njagi SM, Mwonjoria JK, et al. (2016) Antipyretic Properties of Methanol Stem Bark Extracts of Acacia hockii De Wild and Kigelia africana (Lam) Benth in Wistar Rats. J Pharmacogn Nat Prod 2: 118. doi:10.4172/2472-0992.1000118