DIURETIC ACTIVITY AND STUDY OF BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN THE METHANOL EXTRACT OF HIBISCUS ESCULENTUS (OKRA) FRESH FRUITS

Hibiscus esculentus (Family: Malvaceae) is a most common weed in India. The wholeplant is used as medicine. According to Ayurveda,. Hibiscus esculentus is used as in the treatment of constipation, inflammation, anemia, abdominal disorders, urinary tract diseases, general debility. The present study was undertaken to investigate diuretic effect of methanol extract of the Hibiscus esculentus (MEHE) in albino rats. Acute oral toxicity study was performed as per OECD guidelines. In acute oral toxicity study, mortality was not observed up to 2000 mg/kg bodyweight. MEHE were administered at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.Furosemide 20mg per kg body weight was used as positive control in study. The diuretic effect of the extract was evaluated by measuring urine volume, sodium and potassium content. Urine volume is significantly increased at two doses of MEHE 250 & 500 mg/kg body wt in treated rats. The excretion of sodium,Potassium levels was also increased by the MEHE. The diuretic effect of the extract was similar to furosemide. The MEHE had the additional advantage of chloride conserving effect. This study concludes that MEHE produced notable diuretic effect which appeared to be comparable to that produced by the standard diuretic furosemide. The present study provides a quantitative basis for explaining the folkloricuse of Hibiscus esculentus as a diuretic agent. In addition to this different Biochemical parameters were also evaluated.