Methanolic Extract Induced Analgesic and Anti-pyretic Activity of Hemigraphis hirta

Objective: The objective of this research is to investigate the analgesic and antipyretic activity of methanolic extract of Hemigraphis hirta.

Methods: Whole dried plant of Hemigraphis hirta was extracted with pure methanol. Analgesic activity was tested by both acetic acid induced writhing test and formalin induced paw licking test. And anti-pyretic activity was tested by Brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia test.

Results: In paw licking analgesic activity test, after 0- 5 minutes, p < 0.05 (44.79% inhibition) and after 30 minutes, the p < 0.001 (90.07% inhibition) in case of 200 mg/kg bodyweight which was more significant than 400 mg/kg body weight. But in both cases, we saw significant reduction of paw licking compared to standard group (Dioclofenac Sodium). In the contrary, in acetic acid induced writhing test the p value for reduction of writhing for dose of 200 mg/kg body weight was < 0.05 (72.45% inhibition) which was more significant than 400 mg/kg body weight. In this test, we also observed very significant reduction of writhing compared to standard group. In Brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia test the methanolic extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight, reduced hyperthermia in mice in 1 hour observation and also lowering of temperature from 2 hours to 4 hours observation period in comparison to control (Paracetamol).

Conclusion: These finding suggests that Hemigraphis hirta can be a potential source of analgesic and anti-pyretic medication.