Antipyretic Potential of 80% Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. (Melianthaceae) Leaves Against Yeast-Induced Pyrexia in Mice

Abstract

Introduction

Since fever is a complicated physiological reaction to an infection or aseptic stimulus, finding safer solutions that are more potent and derived from plants is essential to resolving this issue. Bersama abyssinica (Melianthaceae) is traditionally used to treat fever, though this has yet to be proven scientifically.

Objective

The present study aimed to assess the antipyretic potential of leaf extract and solvent fractions of B. abyssinica.

Methods

The antipyretic activities of crude extract and solvent fractions of B. abyssinica leaves were evaluated using a yeast-induced pyrexia model at three different dose ranges (100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 400mg/kg) methanol extract as well as chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions to mice showing an increase in temperature of ≥0.5 °C. The rectal temperature of each mouse was recorded using a digital thermometer. To analyze the data, SPSS version 20 and one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD post hoc test to compare results between groups were utilized.

Results

The crude extract demonstrated significant antipyretic potential (P<0.05 by 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg as well as P<0.01 by 400 mg/kg), with a maximum of 95.06% reduction in rectal temperature at 400 mg/kg, comparable to 98.37% at 2.5 hours by the standard drug. Similarly, all doses of the aqueous fraction, as well as 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses of the ethyl acetate fractions, resulted in a significant (P<0.05) reduction in rectal temperature when compared to the corresponding value of the negative control group.

Conclusion

Extracts of B. abyssinica leaves were found to have a significant antipyretic effect. Thus, the use of the plant for pyrexia in traditional settings has scientific ground.

Keywords:

• antipyretic activity
• extract
• fraction
• B. abyssinica leaves
• yeast-induced pyrexia

Abbreviations

COX2, Cyclooxygenase-2; POAH, Pre-optic area of the anterior hypothalamus; PGE2, Prostaglandin-E2; SEM, Standard Error of the Mean; OECD, Organization for Economic Cooperation and development; ILAR, Institute for Laboratory Animal Research.

Data Sharing Statement

The manuscript contains all pertinent facts. On request, the data used to support the findings of this study can be obtained from the corresponding author.

Ethical Considerations

Since the University of Gondar is fully stocked with supplies, laboratory animals, and lab equipment, this experimental study was conducted there. The experiment was carried out in compliance with the guidance for the care and use of laboratory animals, and the study protocol was submitted to and authorized by the department of pharmacology at the University of Gondar.⁴⁴ On March 13, 2019, a letter of clearance with reference number Sop/107/11 was acquired.

Acknowledgments

We are pleased to acknowledge the Amhara National Regional State Health Bureau for funding this study. We would also want to express our gratitude to the University of Gondar’s Department of Pharmacology for providing us with the necessary materials and allowing us to use the entire laboratory setup.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation, or all these areas; took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.