Evaluation of antipyretic activity of alcoholic extract of Murraya koenigii leaves in rabbits

Background: The present study was carried out to evaluate the antipyretic activity of alcoholic extract of Murraya koenigii leaves in rabbits by using PGE1 induced hyperpyrexia method. We found that not much work has been done on the antipyretic effect of this plant.Methods: Laboratory breed New Zealand strains of rabbits of either sex weighing 1000-1500 gm were used in the study. The animals were divided into five groups (n=6). The rabbits of all the groups were made febrile by injecting misoprostol (PGE1) subcutaneously in the dose of 100 mcg/kg. For group 1 and 2, normal saline 2ml/kg as control and aspirin 28mg/kg as standard were given respectively. Alcoholic extract of Murraya koenigii leaves in the doses of 200, 400 and 800mg/kg were administered in remaining three groups respectively. Rectal temperatures were recorded with help of digital thermometer for every 30 min after drug treatment.Results: Alcoholic extract of Murraya koenigii produced highly significant (p<0.001) antipyretic effect in 400 and 800 mg/kg doses. But onset of action was fast with 800mg/kg dose.Conclusions: This study concludes that Alcoholic extract of Murraya koenigii has fast onset of action and also exhibited sustained anti pyretic action in New Zealand rabbits.