2.2.4. Antipyretic Activity
Antipyretic effect of the alcoholic extract (70%) of Pteranthus dichotomus and the new
compound was studied [14]. 20 rats of both sexes weighing 150-180 gm were divided into 5 equal
groups. Hyperthermia was induced by subcutaneous injection of Brewer's yeast in physiological saline
solution in a dose of 150 mg/g b.wt. After 17 h, the elevated body temperature of each rat was rectally
measured. The 1st group was used as a control, the 2nd one was subcutaneously injected with
paracetamol (100 mg/kg b.wt.), while the remaining groups were orally given the tested extract in
doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt and the isolated compound. Rectal temperature of each rat was then
recorded for 4 h at 1 h interval. The antipyretic effect was determined on the basis of the difference in
the mean temperature between the control and the tested extracts.