The antipyretic effect of basil leaf extract (Ocimi sancti folium) in rats

Basil leaves are believed by community to reduce the fever. This study aimed to determine the effect of antipyretic and the effectiveness of basil leaf extract (Ocimi sancti folium) in rats. This research was a laboratory experimental research by using a random sampling technique. The experimental animal used was Wistar rats aged less than 2 months, as much as 20 rats divided into 4 groups. Group 1 as a negative control group was given aquadest of 2.5 ml, while groups 2, 3 and 4 as test groups were each given basil extract by 3.15 mg/100 gr BB, 6.30 mg mg/100 gr BB and 12.60 mg/100 gr BB, respectively, dissolved in 2.5 ml of aquadest. To increase the temperature, it was injected vaccine DPT 0.2 cc intra-muscular. The temperature measurement is conducted by using a digital thermometer. The data obtained were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 11.5 (SPSS 11.5) with Univariate Analysis of Variance method followed by Post Hoc test. The result of one factor analysis from Univariate Analysis of Variance test showed that the average of rats rectal temperature was significantly different for each test group and for each time range of temperature measurement, each of them was 0.034 and 0.005 with a significant level (α) = 0.05. From the result of analysis by using Post Hoc Test, there was a significant difference between dose group of 3.15 mg/100 gr BB with a dose group of 12.60 mg/100 gr BB and between the time of temperature measurements of 120 minutes and 180 minutes. At first dose and 180th minute, it was obtained a lowest rectal rats temperature. The results showed that the basil leaf extract had an antipyretic effect on rats. The optimal effectiveness evidenced by a lowest average rectal temperature was achieved by a dose of 3.15 mg/100 gr BB at 180th minute.