ASSESSMENT OF THE ANTIPYRETIC POTENTIAL OF PUNICA GRANATUM LEAVES IN INDUCED PYREXIA MODELS

Background: Punica granatum (pomegranate) is widely used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties, including antipyretic activity. The present study aimed to scientifically evaluate the antipyretic potential of Punica granatum leaves along with their phytochemical and antioxidant properties. Materials and Methods: The leaves were extracted using Soxhlet extraction with ethanol and petroleum ether. Phytochemical screening, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and DPPH antioxidant assay were performed. Acute oral toxicity was assessed as per OECD 423 guidelines. Antipyretic activity was evaluated using Brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia in Wistar rats, with paracetamol (150 mg/kg) as the standard drug. Results: The ethanolic extract showed higher yield (6.71%) compared to petroleum ether (1.84%) and contained major phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides. TPC and TFC were found to be 29.5 mg/g and 27.6 mg/g, respectively. The extract exhibited notable antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 48.73 μg/ml). In vivo studies demonstrated a significant, dose-dependent reduction in rectal temperature, with the 300 mg/kg dose showing marked antipyretic activity, though less effective than paracetamol. Conclusion: The study confirms that the ethanolic extract of Punica granatum leaves possesses significant antipyretic and antioxidant activities, supporting its traditional use in fever management. The observed effects may be attributed to its rich phenolic and flavonoid content, warranting further pharmacological investigation.