Evaluation of ethanolic extract of Portulaca tuberosa Roxb leaves for antipyretic activity

Portulaca tuberosa Roxb belongs to family of Portulacaceae. Plant’s infusion is given internally in dysuria; externally applied to erysipelas traditionally. The herb shows diuretic, calculolythic, analgesic and antipyretic properties. The aerial parts contain diterpenoids, pilosanone A and B. Previously studies showed that the Portulaca tuberosa has good effect against diuretic, analgesic , however no work was carried out for in vivo antipyretic activity. The present study was made to investigate the ethanolic extract of Portulaca tuberosa leaves for antipyretic activity, compared to that of Aspirin as a reference drug.Pyrexia was induced by s/c injection of aqueous suspension of yeast 20% w/v in normal saline at the rate of 10ml/kg body weight. The experiment was done at the doses of 200 mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800 mg/kg B/w. Rectal temperatures were recorded for 4 hrs by digital thermometer (Holden medical B.V, Netherlands). The result showed that Portulaca tuberosa Roxb has strong p< 0.01 antipyretic activity and this strongly support the ethanophrmacological uses of Portulaca tuberosa Roxb as antipyretic agent.