Aerial parts of Enicostemma littorale Blume serve as antipyretic and antacid: in vivo and in vitro evaluations

Introduction: Enicostemma littorale Blume (Gentianaceae) is traditionally used as medicine for the treatment of diabetes, fever, rheumatism, stomachache, dyspepsia, hernia, itching, insect poisoning and malaria. In the present study, we investigated the antipyretic activity using Swiss Albino mice and in vitro antacid activity of the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of this plant. Materials and Methods: The extract was screened for various essential phytoconstituents by qualitative phytochemical screening. The antipyretic activity was evaluated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced pyrexia using mice as the animal model. The in vitro acid neutralising capacity was determined to evaluate the antacid potency of the extract as compared to standard antacid drugs. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, steroids, glycosides, saponins and flavonoids in the aerial parts of E. littorale. The extract significantly reduced the LPS elevated body temperature in mice at 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg doses throughout the observation period of 5 hours. The extract showed optimum antipyretic activity at 200 mg/kg dose. The extract also showed the antacid potency comparable with standard antacid drugs. Conclusion: We suggest that the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of E. littorale might play an important role in the antipyretic and antacid like activities.