Antipyretic potential of methanolic stem bark extracts of harrisonia abyssinica oliv and landolphia buchananii (hallier f.) stapf in wistar rats

Interest in herbal drugs is undergoing a renaissance at present time. Herbal agents are regarded to be more effective and comparatively safe as opposed to conventional medications which are relatively inaccessible and arguably associated with various adverse effects. Harrisonia abyssinica and Landolphia buchananii have been used by the Ameru and Embu communities to alleviate various ailments. However, despite their wide folklore use, extensive literature research reveals limited scientific evaluation of their described effects. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the antipyretic effects of their methanolic extracts. The plant samples were sourced from Mbeere, Embu County, Kenya. The test subjects (experimental rats) were grouped into four; normal group, a negative control group, reference group and experimental groups. The experimental groups were treated with stem bark extracts at concentration of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg. The determination of antipyretic activities was evaluated by using a 20% turpentine solution as the pyrexia inducing agent and then compared with aspirin as the reference drug. H. abyssinica extract reduced the rectal temperature by between 0.90% and 1.73% while L. buchananii extract reduced it by between 0.32% and 2.52%. Aspirin reduced the elevated rectal temperature by 1.70% and 2.32%. Qualitative phytochemical screening results showed that the extracts possessed several phytochemicals. The results of the study have confirmed the folklore use of the aforementioned plants in the suppression of pyrexia.