Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic activities of eucalyptus globulus essential oil in albino rats

Medicinal plants are effective natural anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and anti-analgesic agents. Inflammation is a complicated biological defense reaction of vascular tissues to potentially damaging stimuli such as bacteria, damaged cells, or irritants. The current study aimed to establish the anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties of E. globulus essential oil. In this research, 36 albino rats weighing 140-170g on average were employed. 36 rats were divided into three groups (control, standard and experimental group). Control and standard group consisted of 6 rats in each group whereas experimental group consisted of 24 rats. All rats in three groups were treated with carrageenan for induction of oedema for anti-inflammatory, brewer’s yeast to induce pyrexia to check anti-pyretic activity and acetic acid to induce pain for analgesic activity. Control group rats were treated with normal saline for all 100u µl three activities. Standard group rats were treated with diclofenac for antiinflammatory and analgesic activities and paracetamol for antipyretic activity. The essential oils were injected into abdominal muscles and intraperitoneal tissues. The maximum percentage of inhibition of leaves oil in antiinflammatory action was 54.01%. The maximum percentage of suppression of fever by essential leaves oil was 75.44% in antipyretic efficacy. The highest percentage inhibition against pain in analgesic action was 25%. Significant anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effects were demonstrated at 50µl/L, 100µl/L, and 12.5µl/L doses, respectively, when compared to control group. From overall result, it was concluded that injection of E. globules leaves oil in abdominal and intraperitoneal muscle may possess significant anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic activities. Our study scientifically supports traditional use of E. globulus as a medicine.