Phytochemical Screening and In-vivo Antipyretic Activity of the Methanol Leaf-Extract of Bombax Malabaricum DC (Bombacaceae)

Purpose: To investigate the antipyretic activity of the methanol extract of Bombax malabaricum leaves (MEBM) in rats. Methods: Baker’s yeast was used to induce fever in Wistar rats which were divided into four groups. The animal groups were thereafter administered MEBM (200 mg/kg), MEBM (400 mg/kg), paracetamol (reference standard, 150 mg/kg) and 1 % Tween 80 (control), respectively. The body temperature of the rats was measured rectally over a period of 8 h. MEBM was also phytochemically screened for alkaloids, steroids, carbohydrates, tannins, fixed oils, proteins, triterpenoids, deoxy-sugar, flavonoid, cyanogenetic and coumarin glycosides. Results: MEBM (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced yeast-induced pyrexia (p 0.05, p 0.01, respectively). Phytochemical tests showed the presence of steroids, carbohydrates, tannins, triterpenoids, deoxy-sugars, flavonoids and coumarin glycosides. Conclusion: The methanol extract of Bombax malabaricum leaves possesses significant antipyretic activity.