Abstract

PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF BERBERIS ARISTATA (BERBERIDACEAE) FOR ITS ANTIPYRETIC AND ANALGESIC ACTIVITY IN LABORATORY ANIMALS

Sushma Singh* and Sandeep K. Singh

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Abstract

Aim: B. aristata also known as Indian Barberry or Tree turmeric belongs to the family Berberidaceae, mentioned in all the ancient ayurveda. In the present study antipyretic and analgesic activities of EEBA stem has been investigated. Materials and methods: Alkaloid (Berberine), tannin, flavonoid was isolated from the ethanolic extracts of stem of Berberis aristata. Phytochemical analysis was performed. Antipyretic activity was evaluated through yeast induced pyrexia while analgesic effect of EEBA was evaluated by hot plate test, acetic acid induced writhing, Tail flick test at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg orally. Results: The results of the antipyretic and analgesic study show that extract produced significant analgesia in the hot plate, tail flick and acetic acid induced writhing tests. The extract also inhibited the pyrexia induced by brewer’s yeast. Conclusion: The results demonstrated significant response of EEBA for its antipyretic and analgesic activity. Phytochemical investigation of EEBA revealed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoids, tannins which may be responsible for antipyretic and antinociceptive activity of B. aristata.

Keywords: Berberis aristata, Antipyretic, Analgesic, Brewer’s yeast, Antinociceptive.