Abstract
The crude methanolic extract of Madhuca indica (Sapotaceae) at 50,100 and 200 mg/kg body weight was evaluated for anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities in male wistar rats. Anti-inflammatory activity was studied by using carrageenan-induced oedema right hind paw volume while the analgesic effect was evaluated using acetic acid-induced abdominal pains, i.e. nociception response and the brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia model was used for antipyretic investigation. Phytochemical screening of the alcoholic extract revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenes. All the doses of the plant methanolic extract and the indomethacin significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced inflammation that was not dose-dependent. The plant extract reduced the acetic acid-induced pain licking. The plant extract reduced the brewer's yeast-provoked elevated body temperature in rats after 60 mins for 50 and 100 mg/kg dose range and 30 mins for 200 mg/kg dose range. The results suggest a potential benefit of M indica methanolic extract in treating conditions associated with fever, inflammation and pain. These properties might be adduced to the presence of the phytoconstituents.