Antipyretic and analgesic effect of leaves of Solanum melongena Linn. in Rodents

Objective: To investigate the antipyretic and analgesic activity of dry residue of leaf juice of Solanum melongena. Methods: The preliminary phytochemical screening of the dry residue was carried out by chemical tests, spectrophotometric and thin layer chromatographic methods. Acute toxicity study was performed in mice after administration of the dry residue orally in graded doses (0.5-4 g/kg body weight). Antipyretic activity of dry residue of S. melongena (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg doses) was carried out on yeast induced pyrexia in rats. Analgesic activity of dry residue was evaluated in mice using the acetic acid induced writhing test at 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg doses. Results: The preliminary phytochemical screening of the dry residue showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and steroids. In acute toxicity study, no mortality was observed at a dose as high as 4 g/kg. The dry residue of fresh juice produced significant antipyretic effect in a dose dependent manner and an appreciable antipyretic effect was noticed at 500 mg/kg dose. A dose dependent analgesic activity was observed with S. melongena and significant effect was observed at 500 mg/kg dose. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the potential antipyretic and analgesic effect of S. melongena further supporting the claims by traditional medicine practitioners.