Abstract:
The experiments were conducted in three different parts. In the first part of the experiment the antipyretic activity of Ocimum sanctum and Tinospora cordifolia was determined. Twenty four groups of ten albino rats each were used for the study. Pyrexia was induced by injecting 20 per cent yeast suspension subcutaneously. Benzene extract of O. sanctum was given at 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg dose levels in four different groups. A dose dependent reduction in temperature was obtained after four hours of its administration. Four hundred mg/kg dose level produced an affective lowering in the temperature than other doses used and showed the reduction in the temperature from 38. 840 C to 37. 590 C . Dose rates used for essential oil of O. sanctum were same as benzene extract. Two hundred mg/kg dose level revealed a more effective reduction in the temperature than four hundred mg/kg. A reduction of temperature was observed from 39. 370 C to 37. 960 C after four hours of its administration.
Single, double and triple the doses of decoction of O. sanctum were used for antipyretic study. Compared to other doses, double the dose of decoction produced a maximum reduction in the temperature. It produced a reduction from 38. 930C to 37.490 C.
Dose rate used for benzene extract of T. cordifolia were 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. A dose depandant reduction in the temperature could be observed after four hours of its administration. Four hundred mg/kg dose level revealed as an effective dose caused a reduction from 39.010 C to 37.770 C after four hours of its administration. Single, double and triple the dose of decoction of T. cordifolia were used for assessing antipyretic activity. Double the dose of decoction was found to be more effective. And it reduced the temperature from 39.720 C to 38.140 C after four hours of its administration.
In the second part of the experiment analgesic effect of benzene extract of O. sanctum and T. cordifolia were evaluated. All the dose rates of both the drugs used were compared with aspirin for a period of two hours showed no significant analgesic effect.
In the third part of the experiment long term effect of essential oil of O. sanctum and benzene extract of T. cordifolia were studied. Haematological parameters were determined at an interval of 15 days. Benzene extract of O. sanctum and T. Cordifolia produced a significant charge in the erythrocyte count from 45 days onwords. At the end of the study Benzene extract of T. cordifolia treated group revealed a significant change in the leucocyte count. Both the groups showed a significant change in the haemoglobin value from days onwards. Fifteen days after the administration of the drug, both the groups showed a significant increase in the neutrophil count and decrease in the lymphocyte count. At the end of study same effect was noticed. On 61st day histopathological studies of liver were conducted.
Lesions observed in both the treated groups were in general, comparable with those of control group. It was found that neither essential oil of O. sanctum nor benzene extract of T. cordifolia caused lesions in hepatic tissue in any of the experimental animals.