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Verification of the folkloric antipyretic claim of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of <i>Kigelia africana</i> Lam. (Benth.)


OJ Owolabi
EKI Omogbai

Abstract



The bark of Kigelia africana Lam. (Benth.) as powder or infusion is used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of ulcers, or applied in treatment of pneumonia and malaria. Hence the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Kigelia africana were investigated for antipyretic activity in albino rabbits. Pyrexia was induced by Escherichia coli, at a dose of 106cfu /ml. Escherichia coli was injected intravenously via the marginal ear vein, at a dose of 1ml/ 5kg body weight of the rabbits. An hour later the extracts, aqueous and ethanolic (500mg/kg & 1000mg/kg respectively) were given via the oral route. The ethanolic extract showed marked antipyretic activity based on the reduction of pyrogen-induced fever in rabbits (P<0.05). This effect at 500mg/kg was 98% of that produced by aspirin. However the effect of the aqueous extract was not statistically significant at both doses tested. Thus the ethanolic extract possesses antipyretic activity. This study therefore supports its use in ethnomedicine as an antipyretic agent

Keywords: Kigelia africana; Antipyretic activity; E. coli

Journal of Pharmacy and Bioresources Vol. 4 (1) 2007: pp. 20-24

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eISSN: 0189-8442