Exploring the Antipyretic (Jwarghna) Potential of Patha and Chirayata: A Narrative Review

Fever, or pyrexia, is a regulated physiological response that commonly accompanies infectious and inflammatory conditions.[1] Contemporary understanding of fever implicates interactions among exogenous pyrogens, endogenous inflammatory mediators, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), and hypothalamic thermoregulatory pathways.[1] Although conventional antipyretic agents are effective in reducing elevated body temperature, their dose-related limitations and adverse effects continue to stimulate interest in medicinal plants as potential sources of complementary or novel therapeutic agents.[1] Ayurveda recognizes Jwara as a major disease entity and describes numerous medicinal plants with Jwaraghna activity.[4] Patha (Cissampelos pareira L.) has a longstanding association with fever and inflammatory disorders.[2] Chirayita (Swertia chirayita (Roxb.) H. Karst.) likewise has a longstanding association with fever and inflammatory disorders.[2] Modern pharmacological investigations have reported antipyretic and related activities for Patha.[3] Modern pharmacological investigations have also reported antipyretic and related activities for Chirayita.