Antipyretic activities of some species of andrographis wall
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Antipyretic activities of some species of andrographis wall
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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S. Balu, C. Alagesa Boopathi, V. Elango
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Antipyretic activities of some species of andrographis wall
Year: 1993
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigated the antipyretic activities of alcoholic extracts from three species of AndrographisâAndrographis alata, Andrographis lineata, and Andrographis paniculata. These plants are traditionally employed in medicine for various ailments, including fevers and snake bites. While there is substantial literature on A. paniculata, research on A. alata and A. lineata remains limited. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of these extracts in reducing hyperpyrexia induced by pyrogenic polysaccharides in male albino rats.
Antipyretic Activity of Andrographis Alata
Among the three species tested, the alcoholic extract of Andrographis alata demonstrated the most significant antipyretic effect. In the experiment, hyperpyrexia was induced in rats using a yeast suspension, and the extracts were administered at a dosage of 500 mg/kg body weight. The results indicated that treated rats experienced a maximum hyperpyrexia of only 36.5°C, significantly lower than the control group's peak of 39.0°C. Moreover, A. alata showed an inhibitive effect on hyperpyrexia by up to 80% compared to the control group, while the other species (A. lineata and A. paniculata) exhibited lesser effects of 38.5% and 59.2%, respectively. A. alata's extract was thus found to be markedly effective in lowering fever compared to the standard drug, Indomethacin.
Conclusion
The findings of this study underscore the potential of Andrographis plant extracts, particularly A. alata, as antipyretic agents. The significant reduction in hyperpyrexia rates provides a basis for further investigation into their medicinal properties and possible applications in treating fever-related conditions. Given that traditional medicine practitioners have long used these plants, the research highlights the importance of scientifically validating their effectiveness, which could lead to broader acceptance and utilization in modern therapeutic practices. Further studies are warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying the antipyretic effects observed in these Andrographis species.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main focus of the study on Andrographis species?
The study examined the antipyretic activities of alcoholic extracts from three Andrographis species, specifically their effectiveness in inhibiting hyperpyrexia induced by pyrogenic polysaccharides in male albino rats.
How were the extracts of Andrographis prepared for testing?
The plant materials were dried and subjected to soxhlet extraction using 50% ethyl alcohol for 12 hours. The resulting extracts were then evaporated and dried before administration to the test subjects.
Which Andrographis species showed the highest antipyretic activity?
The alcoholic extract of Andrographis alata exhibited the highest antipyretic activity, significantly inhibiting hyperpyrexia compared to the control group, with an inhibition rate of approximately 80%.
What was the control and standard treatment in the experiments?
The control group received no treatment other than yeast injection. The standard treatment involved administering Indomethacin at a dose of 4 mg/kg body weight to compare efficacy against the Andrographis extracts.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for âAntipyretic activities of some species of andrographis wallâ�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
The keyword 'Drug' refers to the specific substances derived from plants, such as Andrographis species, that exhibit pharmacological effects. In this study, the antipyretic activity of alcoholic extracts was assessed, demonstrating how natural compounds can serve as therapeutics in treating conditions like hyperpyrexia, validating their use in traditional medicine.
2) Bitter:
The term 'Bitter' describes a taste characteristic of many medicinal plants, including Andrographis. Bitter principles are often correlated with therapeutic effects and are known to stimulate digestive processes. In this context, the bitterness of Andrographis extracts is associated with their traditional applications for various ailments, including fever management.
3) Water:
The keyword 'Water' signifies the medium used in the preparation of extracts and also in the physiological context of the experimental design where the rats were given water ad libitum. Water plays a crucial role as a solvent in extracting plant compounds and in maintaining hydration, vital during pharmacological studies.
4) Medicine:
The term 'Medicine' encapsulates the broader field encompassing the use of herbal constituents, like those from Andrographis, for healing purposes. It underscores the significance of studying traditional remedies and their active ingredients, contributing to pharmacology and the development of new therapeutic agents in modern healthcare.
5) Discussion:
The keyword 'Discussion' refers to the analytical discourse presented within the research paper that interprets the experimental results. It serves to contextualize the findings, compare them to existing literature, and draw insights on the implications of antipyretic activities from Andrographis extracts in clinical applications.
6) Activity:
In this context, 'Activity' refers specifically to the biological effects exhibited by the extracts of Andrographis species, particularly their ability to mitigate hyperpyrexia. The term emphasizes the observation of pharmacological efficacy in controlled experiments, contributing to understanding herbal medicine's active components and their therapeutic potential.
7) Science (Scientific):
The term 'Science' signifies the systematic study of natural phenomena, including the evaluation of medicinal plants' effects. This research adheres to scientific methods to validate traditional knowledge through controlled experimentation, ensuring that findings align with the principles of empirical inquiry and evidence-based practice in pharmacology.
8) Siddha (SiddhÄ):
The keyword 'Siddha' relates to the traditional medicine system from South India, employing a holistic approach to healing. Understanding Siddhaâs practices offers insights into the utilization of local flora like Andrographis in therapy, highlighting the integration of herbal medicine with philosophical tenets of health and well-being.
9) Botany:
The term 'Botany' encompasses the scientific study of plants, which is essential for recognizing the therapeutic properties of Andrographis species. Research in botany informs the classification, extraction, and utilization of plant materials, laying a foundation for investigating their medicinal attributes and applications in various health conditions.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: â�Antipyretic activities of some species of andrographis wallâ�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal properties, Siddha medicine, Control group, Experimental group, Standard group, Alcoholic extract, Antipyretic activities, Dried extract, Experimental Condition, Figures and tables, Traditional medical practitioner.