Diuretic Potential of Aerva lanata and Ecbolium ligustrinum Root Extracts

Based on the ethnobotanical importance as diuretics Aerva lanata and Ecbolium ligustrinum were selected for present screening. Experiment was carried out on male wister strain albino rats using furosemide as standard drug. 20mg/kg and 200mg/kg oral doses are selected for standard and test respectively. For quantifying the diuretic activity the urine output, urine pH, sodium, potassium and chloride levels in the urine are measured. The diuretic index value of Ecbolium ligustrinum is 1.70 and nearer to the standard furosemide value 1.80. Aerva lanata group shows less diuretic index of 1.49 compared to standard. The ratio of the concentration of sodium ions to the potassium ions in control group was found to be 1.39 and the ratio for standard, Aerva lanata and Ecbolium ligustrinum are 1.78, 1.49 and 1.68 respectively. Ecbolium ligustrinum affected the amount of urine excreted and also the electrolyte concentration in urine. The present study concluded that ischolar_mains of Aerva lanata and Ecbolium ligustrinum are having diuretic nature.