Author(s): R Arora and A Mazumder

Abstract:
Hedychium spicatum (Ham-ex-Smith), known as Shati in Ayurvedic classics, is documented for the treatment of cough, hiccough, fever and asthma The present study was designed to evaluate the antipyretic activity of rhizome of Hedychium. spicatum (Zingiberaceae). The Methanolic extract was taken for the study and evaluated for antipyretic activity using Brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia in Wister strain albino rats. The methanolic extract at a dose of 100mg/kg & 200mg/kg were evaluated for antipyretic activity. The extract of H. spicatum plant showed a significant (P < 0.01) dose dependent antipyretic effect in yeast induced elevation of body temperature in experimental rats. This study has pointed to the potential application of H. spicatum as an antipyretic drug when compared with the standard drug.