Preliminary Phytochemical Screening , Evaluation of Acute Toxicity and Antipyretic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides (Fabaceae)

Pterocarpus santalinoides (Family – Fabaceae) was claimed to have antipyretic properties. The people of Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State,Nigeria used it in the management of fever. This study is therefore aimed at determining this claim of the activities of Pterocarpus santalinoides using the leaves which will serve as a criteria to recommend the ethnopharmacological use of the plant. The leaves of Pterocarpus santalinoides family Fabaceae were dried, powdered and extracted by cold maceration with methanol for 48hrs, it was concentrated using rotary evaporator. The anti-pyretic activity was investigated using brewer’s yeast to induce pyrexia in rats. Phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins and resins. Pterocarpus santalinoides extract (300 mg/kg) relieved pyrexia in rats (p<0.01) and this effect was comparable to that of aspirin (100 mg/kg). Acute toxicity also revealed that the drug is safe. The claimed benefits of Pterocarpus santalinoides in traditional medical management of pyrexia, could be supported by the results of this investigation