Author(s): Ugorji NNAEMEKA Ogbonna, Peters Dikioye Emmanuel, Nyeche Goodness Chizi and Akpotayire Stephen Ive

Abstract: This study was aimed at evaluating the anti-pyretic activity of the aqueous leaf extract of Macaranga barteri in Baker's yeast-induced pyrexia in wistar rats. Rats were divided into five groups of four rats/group. Group 1 received distilled water while groups 2-5 received subcutaneous injection 20% baker’s yeast solution for 17hours before treatment. Rats in groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w extract and paracetamol respectively hourly. Rats were sacrificed and biochemical and heamatological analyses were done on blood. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins, quinines and steroids. Result showed non-significant (p≥0.05) reduction in rectal temperature at 1, 2 and 3 hours in groups 3 and 2 and 3 hours in group 4 and 1 hour in group 5. Non-significant increase (p≥0.05) in WBC, lymphocytes, basophil and ESR values and reduction in neutrophil, eosinophil and monocyte when negative control was compared to normal control and significant reductions(p≤0.05) of WBC count in groups 3, 4, and 5, Monocyte count in 4 and 5 and ESR in 3, 4, and 5 when compared to normal and negative control values. CRP and PTG S1 concentrations showed non significantly increased (p≥0.05) while IL-6 concentration significantly increased (p≤0.05) when negative control values were compared to control values and non-significant reduction (p≥0.05) in groups 3, 4 and 5 for CRP and groups 3 and 5 for PTG S1 and significant reduction (p≤0.05) in groups 3, 4 and 5 in IL-6 concentrations when compared to negative control. Aqueous leaf extract of Macaranga barteri demonstrated antipyretic potential hence could serve as antipyretic agent.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i3k.861