Study of the Antipyretic Activity of Matrine. A Lupin Alkaloid Isolated from Sophora subprostrata

Abstract

We have isolated matrine, an active ingredient from the root of Sophora subprostrata and studied its antipyretic activity in rats. Subcutaneous injection of the yeast suspension (10 ml/kg) increased the rectal temperature at the 19th h after administration. Matrine, in doses of 20 or 30 mg/kg, either given intraperitoneally or orally, produced a dose-dependent inhibition on yeast-provoked elevation of body temperature. This antipyretic effect was not prevented by atropine or methysergide but was completely antagonised by haloperidol pretreatment which also decreased the antipyretic activity of dopamine. Both matrine and dopamine possessed a hypothermic action. These results indicate that the antipyretic activity of matrine may possibly be mediated by dopamine release or through dopaminergic receptor blockade.