Antipyretic Activity of Piper nigrum and Nyctanthes arbor-tristis in Different Dosage Forms

Acute oral toxicity studies of the Piper nigrum Linn (Family: Piperaceae), and Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn (Family: Oleaceae), were carried out in rats. All external morphological changes, change in body weight, general systemic toxicity and necropsy were recorded. During acute toxicity study there was normal weight gain in the treatment group was observed. There were no significant signs of systemic toxicity and death was noted. No abnormalities were noted at necropsy. Tablet, liquid oral and suspension dosage forms of dried unripe fruits of Piper nigrum and dried leaves of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis in combination, were tested in brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in rabbits to assess their antipyretic activity. The percent inhibition rate against increasing rectal temperature in rabbits was assessed for all test dosage forms and was found significant compared to that of control. The results indicate that liquid oral and tablet dosage forms possess good antipyretic property compared to suspension dosage form.