Investigation of the Synergistic Anti-pyretic and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Sonchus wightianus DC, Paracetamol and Indomethacin Combination in Rat Models

Introduction: In conventional Indian medicine, several plants have long been utilized to treat various ailments. Among these herbal species, Sonchus wightianus DC is known for anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects attributed to compound found in its leaves such as fatty acid methyl esters, sterol and triterpenoids. Induced pyrexia and inflammation in animal models serves to investigate the potential synergistic interactions between traditional herbal remedies and standard medication. Aims and Objectves: Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory properties of methanolic extract obtained from Sonchus wightianus DC leaves tested alone and in combination with classic anti-inflammatory agents using the Carrageenan paw edema and anti-pyretic agent using yeast-induced pyrexia in Wistar rats. Methods: Soxhlet extraction was used to obtain the methanolic extract. Inflammation was induced by a 1% (w/v) carrageenan injection, while 20% Brewer's yeast triggered pyrexia in male Wistar rat. The antipyretic activity was evaluated by taking the body temperature at various hours, while the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring the paw and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β). Results: The research investigation discovered that the extract of Sonchus wightianus DC along with varying doses of Indomethacin and Paracetamol, considerably reduced raised body temperature and avoided inflammation, exhibiting percentage inhibition. The study further revealed that at a dosage of 300 mg/kg of the plant extract, 300 mg/kg plant extract combined with Paracetamol (150 mg/kg), and 300 mg/kg plant extract combined with Indomethacin (10 mg/kg), there was a marked reduction in paw edema and pyrexia in the experimental models. Moreover, the extract was found to substantially lower serum levels of key inflammatory mediators, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Conclusion: These findings indicates that Sonchus wightianus DC extract has potential therapeutic benefits in managing inflammation and fever, especially when combined with standard drugs like Paracetamol and Indomethacin.