Studies on the Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic and Antipyretic Properties of Andrographis echioides Nees.

The purpose of this investigation was to study the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic properties of total extract and three fractions (ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate) from Andrographis echioides (Acanthaceae) in rats and mice. The plant material was extracted with methanol. In order to estimate the polarity of the active compounds, the total extract was successively partitioned between ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate. Dose of 200 and 400 mg kg(-1) of each extracts were used in carrageenan-induced paw edema, cotton-pellet granuloma in rats, writhing nociception in mice and yeast induced hyperpyrexia in rats. All compounds reduced paw edema in comparison to the control group at 5 h post carrageenan injection. The total, ether and ethyl acetate extracts were similar to phenylbutazone (p<0.001), while the chloroform extract was weaker than phenyl butazone in reduction of paw edema and cotton-pellet granuloma. All extracts as well as Paracetamol induced antinociception in writhing test in comparison to control. Positive results for flavanoids and phenolic compounds were investigated by phytochemical analysis of total extract. Phenolic compounds were found in three fractions. The higher antinociception effects of total and ether extracts among different extracts tested, might back to the presence of flavanoids and phenolic compounds. The total, ether, ethyl acetate extract produced a significant dose dependent inhibition of temperature elevation. These data suggest that different extracts of A. echioides produce antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities that could be due to the effect of one or a combination of the bio active components in each extract.