Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of Indian medicinal plant Cassia fistula Linn. (Golden Shower) in Wistar Albino rats

The study was aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities of ethanolic extract of Cassia fistula Linn. (ELE) in experimental rats. Anti- inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan induced rat paw oedema and cotton pellet granuloma models, while the antipyretic effect was evaluated using against TAB vaccine induced pyrexia. Various doses of ELE (50, 100, 250, 500 and 750 mg kg^-1b.wt.,) were tested for its anti-inflammatory effect and the results were compared with standard drugs (diclofenac and indomethacin). Results indicate that the ELE significantly inhibited both the carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema and cotton-pellet granuloma in a dose dependant manner. ELE at 250 and 500 mg kg^-1b.wt, reduced TAB vaccine induced pyrexia in rats after 60 min, whereas at 750 mg kg^-1b.wt, it reduced the vaccine induced elevated body temperature post 30 min of its administration. The results suggest that there exists a potential benefit in utilizing Cassia fistula Linn, in treating conditions associated with inflammation and fever. These properties can be attributed to the presence of phyto constituents present in ELE and the exact mechanism needs to be elucidated.