This study investigated the antioxidant and antipyretic activities of ethanolic leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and Gongronema latifolium. Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opiates and various synthetic drugs have been used classically in these conditions, but some adverse reactions occur with these drugs such as gastrointestinal disturbances, renal damage, respiratory diseases and possible dependence. In search of inexpensive but effective and readily available drugs, with little or no side effects, several investigations have been conducted on indigenous plant materials. Antioxidant and antipyretic study was done using a total of 56 Wistar albino rats, divided into 7 groups of 4 rats per group, each groups administered different concentration of extract and standard. Oxidative stress biomarkers such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and catalase were used to determine antioxidant activity in acetaminophen induced oxidative stress in rats while rectal temperature measurement was used to determine the antipyretic effect of these leave extracts in baker yeast induced pyrexia. The results from the antioxidant analysis in comparison to leave extracts of Ocimim gratissimum and Gongronema latifolium, showed that bi-herbal combined ratio of (Ocimum gratisssimum + Gongronemalatifolium) showed a higher antioxidant and antipyretic activity followed by Ocimum gratissimum, and Gongronema latifolium respectively. In conclusion, Ocimum gratissimum and Gongronema latifolium leaves have antioxidant and antipyretic potentials, which could be harnessed for clinical applications.
Keywords: Antioxidant, antipyretic, gongronema, latifolium, leave extracts, ocimum gratissimum
