ANALGESIC AND ANTIPYRETIC ACTIVITIES OF TERMINALIA CHEBULA RETZ. FRUITS EXTRACTS IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the analgesic and antipyretic activities of ethanolic extract of Terminalia chebula Retz. (EETC) fruits in experimental animal models. The study was carried out using Albino mice (20-30g) and rats (120-130 g) of either sex. The EETC was prepared by Soxhlet extraction process. The analgesic activity of Terminalia chebula was assessed by using hot plate method in rats and acetic acid induced writhing in mice. The antipyretic activity was assessed by Brewer‟s yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. Doses of ethanolic extract of Terminalia chebula used for the present study were 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg. EETC produced a significant decrease in the number of wriths in acetic acid induced writhing model of pain as well as showed a significant increase in the mean reaction time to heat stimuli in hot plate method at both 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg, p.o. doses. Single administration of EETC at doses 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg, p.o. showed significant antipyretic activity throughout the observation period of 3 hours, which was comparable to the standard paracetamol group. The present study suggested that ethanolic extract of Terminalia chebula Retz. has significant analgesic and antipyretic activities.