Preliminary studies on diuretic effect of hygrophila auriculata (schum) heine in rats

Purpose: Hygrophila auriculata is a traditional folk medicine widely used in the treatment of urinary infection, gout, hepatic obstruction and as a diuretic. This study was conducted to examine the diuretic effect of whole plant extracts and its fractions. Methods: The diuretic effect was examined by treating different groups of wistar albino rats with single (200 mg/kg) oral doses of alcoholic extract/fractions. Frusemide (10 mg/kg) was used as positive control in the study. The urine volume and electrolyte concentration (Na+, K+ and Cl-) were measured. Results: Out of the different fractions and extract, the n-butanol fraction (200 mg/kg) significantly and markedly increased the urine output (p < 0.01). The pattern of diuresis induced by the n-butanol fraction was almost similar to that produced by the frusemide. Conclusion: Hygrophila auriculata plant extract posesses diuretic effects in rats.