Analgesic and Anti-pyretic Activity of Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Ficus Benghalensis

Objective: Ficus benghalensis Linn. (Family: Moraceae) is a reputed plant in ayurvedic medicine and commonly known as "banayan tree" in ayurvedic literature. Traditionally, Ficus benghalensis is used for pain and fever. Since no detailed scientific data is available regarding the analgesic and antipyretic activities of Ficus benghalensis, the present study was designed to explore the same. Methods: In the present study, analgesic and anti-pyretic activities of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Ficus benghalensis at dose levels of 100 mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg was studied using hot plate, acetic acid induced writhing and yeast induced hyperthermia method. Student’s t test was used to analyze the results obtained from the present study and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Ficus benghalensis showed significant analgesic and anti-pyretic activities in all models studied. Results support the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of pain and fever. Conclusion: The present study has demonstrated the analgesic and antipyretic potential of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Ficus benghalensis. Therefore the present study had verified the traditional use of Ficus benghalensis in pain and fever. As the phytochemical screening has shown the presence of flavonoids and glycosides in both ethanolic and aqueous extracts, the potent activity may be attributed to the presence of these phytoconstituents.