Time-Dependent Antipyretic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Clerodendrum viscosum Leaves in Baker’s Yeast–Induced Pyrexia in Wistar Albino Rats

Background: Fever is a natural defense mechanism characterized by elevated body temperature due to infection or inflammation. The yeast-induced pyrexia model in rats is a reliable method to evaluate the antipyretic potential of new agents. Clerodendrum viscosum, a medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities, was investigated in this study for its antipyretic effect. Objective: The study aimed to assess the antipyretic activity of the ethanolic extract of Clerodendrum viscosum leaves (EELCV) at different doses and time intervals in Wistar albino rats using the Baker’s yeast-induced pyrexia model. Materials and Methods: Pyrexia was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of Baker’s yeast (0.135 mg/kg). The animals were divided into five groups: control (1% gum acacia), standard (Paracetamol 100 mg/kg), and three test groups receiving EELCV at doses of 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg orally. Rectal temperatures were recorded at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after drug administration. Results: The control group maintained elevated rectal temperature throughout the experiment. Paracetamol significantly (p0.05), whereas the 150 mg/kg dose produced moderate antipyretic activity (p