Abstract

The phytochemical screening of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stem bark of Enantia chlorantha Oliv as well as the antipyretic effect of the solvent extracts at 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight was investigated in albino rats. Phytochemical analysis of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of E. chloranthastem bark revealed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides and saponins. The concentrations of these phytochemicals in the ethanolic extracts were slightly higher than in the aqueous extracts. The 50 - 200 mg/kg body weight of the solvent extracts produced significant reduction (P<0.05) in rectal temperature of the hyperpyretic rats. The antipyretic activities of the solvent extract at these doses also compared favourably (P>0.05) with the indomethacin dosed groups. This study showed that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of E. chlorantha stem bark at 50 - 200 mg/kg body weight possess antipyretic activity and thus supports the folklore use of the plant in the management of fever.

Key words: Enantia chlorantha, brewer’s yeast, antipyretic, rectal temperature.