An investigation into the antipyretic activity of n-hexane extract of the leaves of Baphia pubescens Hook.F (family Leguminosae)

Abstract

Baphia pubescens is claimed by the people of Ogidi in Idemili Local Government area of Anambra State, Nigeria to have anti pyretic, analgesic and antimicrobial properties. The decoction of the leaves isused to treat wounds, running stomach (diarrhea), aches and pains as well as fever locally. This investigation was carried out to ascertain the veracity of these claims. The leaves of Baphia pubescens was collected and dried at ambient temperature and pulverized. Exactly 200 g of the powdered drug was extracted with 400 ml of n-hexane using the cold maceration technique for 24hours with occasional shaking. This was filtered and the procedure repeated with the marc. The combined filtrates were concentrated under reduced pressure with rotary evaporator. The preliminary phytochemical tests were carried out using standard methods. The antipyretic activity using brewer’syeast to induce pyrexia was conducted. The leaves of Baphia pubescens exhibited antipyretic activity by lowering the temperature induced by brewer’s yeast in rats. Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins carbohydrates, carbohydrates were absent while steroids and tannins, were found. Preliminary studies support the claim that the leaves of Baphia pubescens possess antipyretic properties