Analgesic and antipyretic activity of whole parts of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the analgesic and antipyretic activity of whole parts of the plant Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. (Compositae) on albino rats by Eddy’s hot plate, Tail immersion and Brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia method respectively. Dried powder plant materials were subjected to sucessesive solve nt extraction taking Petroleum ether, Benzene, Chloroform, Ethanol and triple distilled w ater. The different extracts at a dose of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg body weight were subjected to analgesic and antipyretic activity. The petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanol extract s showed significant analgesic activity in both doses (p<0.001 & p<0.01) from 1 hour onwards as compared to the standard drug diclofenac sodium. The chloroform and ethanol extracts showed potential significant antipyretic activity (p<0.05) from 1 hour onwards where as aqueous extracts exhibit activity from 2 hours onward as compared to the standard drug paracetamol amongst various extracts.