RRJoP (2015) 15-18 © STM Journals 2015. All Rights Reserved Page 15 Research & Reviews: Journal of Pharmacology ISSN: 2230-9861(online), ISSN: 2349-1299(print) Volume 5, Issue 1 www.stmjournals.com Evaluation of Antipyretic Activity of Olax Scandens (Roxb.) Stem Bark Raghavendra Naik*, Sneha D. Borkar, R.N. Acharya, Mukesh Nariya IPGT & RA Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India Abstract Traditionally, the decoction of Olax scandens (Roxb.) stem bark is used to cure fever and cough. The present experimental study was carried out to evaluate the antipyretic activity of stem bark of Olax scandens (Roxb.) on experimental animals. Brewer’s yeast was used as a pyrogen in Wistar strain albino rats for inducing pyrexia. The stem bark powder, at a dose of 540 mg/kg body weight of rat was suspended in distilled water and administered orally with the help of an oral feeding cannula. The result shows that Olax scandens stem bark powder produced non-significant decrease in rectal temperature after 6 h and non-significant but marked decrease in rectal temperature after 9 h in Brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia. The result of the study confirms the traditional claim of antipyretic property of Olax scandens (Roxb.) stem bark. Keywords: Antipyretic, Badru, Leafy vegetables, Olax scandens (Roxb.) *Author for Correspondence E-mail: ayuraghu@gmail.com INTRODUCTION Medicinal plants are assuming greater importance in the primary health care of individuals and communities in many developing countries. Indian medicinal plants and their derivatives have been an invaluable source of therapeutic agents to treat various disorders. Herbal products are often perceived as safe because they are “natural.” In recent years, herbal medicine is a major component in traditional practice, and a common element in different systems of medicine. Considerable efforts have been directed towards the development of natural products from various plant sources [1]. There are over 400 different tribal and other ethnic groups in India. Each tribal group has its own tradition, folk language, beliefs and knowledge about use of natural resources as medicines [2]. In traditional medicines, various herbal preparations are being used for treating rise in body temperature [3]. Olax scandens (Roxb.), frequently available ethno medicinal plant, commonly known as “Badru” in Odiya, used for food and various medicinal purposes [4]. Decoction of the stem bark of the plant is used to cure fever and cough [5]. Tender leaves are taken as vegetable in constipation [6]. Fresh young leaves are chewed in mouth ulcer [7]. Fomentation of boiled leaves is applied externally in headache [8]. As the bark of the plant is frequently available and used as a folklore traditional medicament for the management of fever, it will be a cost effective alternative approach to study the antipyretic effect of this plant for the development of an effective antipyretic agent. So the present pharmacological investigation was undertaken to study the anti-pyretic activity of Olax scandens (Roxb.) in Wistar strain albino rats against yeast-induced pyrexia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals Wistar strain albino rats were used for the experiments. The animals were obtained from the animal house attached to Pharmacology Lab., I.P.G.T. & R.A., Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar. Animals were housed in each cage made up of polypropylene with stainless steel top grill. The dry wheat (post hulled) waste was used as bedding material and was changed every morning. The selected animals were kept under acclimatization for one week before experimentation. The animals were exposed to 12 h light and 12 h dark cycle with the relative humidity of 50 to 70% and the ambient temperature was 22 ± 03 ºC. Animals were fed with Amrut brand rat pellet feed supplied by Pranav Agro Mills Pvt.