The Effect of Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit) Leaves Crude Extract on the Body Temperature of Brewer’s Yeast-Induced Rabbits

The study assessed the antipyretic activity of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) leaves crude extract on Brewer’s yeast-induced rabbits in comparison with the antipyretic activity of a commercially available drug Paracetamol. Air-dried young leaves of Jackfruit were chosen as plant material for this study. Nine (9) healthy rabbits were used as test animals and were grouped into three namely; the Positive, Experimental and the Negative control group. Forty percent Brewer’s yeast suspension at a dose of 0.5mL was subcutaneously administered to each rabbits in order to induce fever. The positive group received the commercial antipyretic drug Paracetamol while the experimental group was treated with Jackfruit leaves crude extract; both substances were administered at a dose of 500mg/kg. However, the negative control group received no treatment. Body temperature of test animals were taken and recorded three times every 30 minutes for 4 hours. The result of the study showed that Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit) leaves crude extract has no antipyretic effect compared with the commercial antipyretic drug Paracetamol.

Keywords: Antipyretic, Artocarpus heteropyllus, Brewer’s yeast