Abstract

EVALUATION OF DIURETIC AND URINARY ELECTROLYTE EFFECTS OF HYDRO ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF HEMIGRAPHIS COLORATA (ACANTHACEAE) IN RAT MODEL

Mariyumma Kutty*

Abstract

The present study evaluates the diuretic activity of the hydro alcoholic extract of Hemigraphis colorata (Acanthaceae) on the rat model by determine pH and electrolyte content such as Na+, K+ and Cl-. The aerial parts of H.colorata was extracted by soxhlation method with ethanol and water in the ratio of (70:30). Phytochemical screening performed with standard test procedure. Diuretic activity was determined by Lipschitz method. H.colorata extract was administered orally (100, 200mg/kg) in male Sprague dawley rats and evaluated urinary volume, its pH and electrolyte content (Na+, K+ and Cl-) compared with furosemide (10 mg/kg/body weight) after 24 hrs urine collection. It was found that the plant extract had moderate diuretic activity when compared to control rats. There was significant increase in urinary output, excretion of Na+, K+ and Cl- ions, depending on the dose. The results indicate that the diuretic activity of the extract was due to the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols which is widely available in the plant. Presence of Gallic acid and chlorogenic acid also responsible for the same effect. The relation of diuretic activity is linked through renin-angiotensin system is the main regulator of blood pressure and plasma volume.

Keywords: Hemigraphis colorata, Diuretic, Electrolyte excretion.