Antipyretic and Analgesic Activity of Dioscorea bulbifera on Wistar Albino Rats – Three Arm Randomized Control Trial

Fever, or pyrexia, is defined as an elevation in body temperature beyond normal physiological limits and pain an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience occur in some types of fever. Dioscorea bulbifera leaves are traditionally used for managing fever with aches and pain as per Siddha Literature. Based on these traditional claims, the present study aimed to scientifically evaluate the antipyretic and analgesic activities of Diacorea bulbifera leaf decoction using experimental animal models. For antipyretic activity, 18 male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: control, standard, and test. Fever was induced using 15% w/v Brewer's yeast administered subcutaneously. After 18 hours, rectal temperatures were recorded at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes following treatment. The control group received 1 ml/kg normal saline, the standard group received paracetamol syrup, and the test group received Diacorea bulbifera leaf decoction according to standard dose calculation. For analgesic activity, 18 female Wistar albino rats were divided similarly, and the tail immersion method was used. Tail withdrawal times were recorded at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after administering saline, diclofenac and diascorea bulbifera decoction. The Dioscorea bulbifera decoction significantly reduced fever, showing effects comparable to paracetamol after 90 minutes. It also exhibited notable analgesic activity from the 60th minute onward, with stronger and longer-lasting effects than diclofenac. Dioscorea bulbifera leaf decoction demonstrates significant antipyretic and analgesic effects, supporting its traditional use in treating fever and pain.