African Journal of
Biochemistry Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Biochem. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0778
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJBR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 424

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of administration of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Enantia chlorantha stem bark on brewer’s yeast-induced pyresis in rats

Adesokan, A. A.1*, Yakubu, M. T.1, Owoyele, B. V.2, Akanji, M. A.1, Soladoye, A. O.2 and Lawal, O. K.2
  1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. 2Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Email: [email protected], [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 15 May 2008
  •  Published: 31 July 2008

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.