An evaluation of anti-pyretic potential of Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) root

Vetiveria zizanioides belonging to the family Gramineae, is widely used as a traditional plant as refrigerant that cools and calms the entire body. The current study was focused to evaluate the antipyretic (yeast-induced pyrexia in albino rats) potential of the hexane extract (HEVZ) and methanol extract (MEVZ) of Vetiveria zizanioides root. The yeast-induced pyrexia method was standardized by subcutaneous injection of yeast suspension (10 ml/kg body wt.) which increased rectal temperature after 17 hours followed by recording of rectal temperature at regular interval. Both extract at 75mg, 150mg and 300mg/kg dose significantly (P< 0.05) reduced yeast-induced elevated temperature. Also the effect of extracts on normal body temperature was evaluated. Rectal temperature of rodents was recorded at a time interval of 1hrs, 2hrs, 3hrs, 4hrs and 5hrs after drug administration. Reduction is in a dose dependent manner.The anti-pyretic effect of HEVZ and MEVZ was comparable to that of a standard antipyretic agent paracetamol (150 mg/kg body wt, p.o).