PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION AND IN VIVO ANTIPYRETIC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF RHEUM EMODI
Satyanarayan Sharma, Manju Prajapati, Mrs. Sweety Tiwari, Akhlesh Kumar Singhai
ABSTRACT
Rheum emodi Wall. ex Meissn. is a perennial herbaceous plant traditionally used in various indigenous systems of medicine for its therapeutic properties. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and antipyretic activity of the ethanolic extract of Rheum emodi. The ethanolic extract was prepared from the roots of Rheum emodi and subjected to phytochemical screening for alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, proteins, carbohydrates, saponins, and diterpenes. The extract's total flavonoid and phenolic content were quantified. The antipyretic activity was evaluated using a yeast-induced pyrexia rat model. The ethanolic extract showed a % yield of 8.4% (w/w) from the roots. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, proteins, and carbohydrates, while alkaloids and diterpenes were absent. The extract exhibited a total flavonoid content of 0.745 mg/100 mg and a total phenolic content of 0.822 mg/100 mg. In the antipyretic activity study, the extract demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in rectal temperature in rats compared to the control group. The ethanolic extract of Rheum emodi possesses significant antipyretic activity, likely attributed to its rich flavonoid and phenolic content. These findings support its traditional use and suggest its potential as a natural antipyretic agent.
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