POVONIA ODARATA (LINN) CONFERS DIURETIC EFFECTS ON ALBINO RATS

Diuretics induce negative fluid balance and are useful in the treatment of diseases like edema and hypertension. In the present study ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Pavonia odorata was evaluated for diuretic activity of in male albino rats. Preliminary phytochemical studies carried out indicated the presence of flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, phenols and carbohydrates in the extracts of Pavonia odorata. Acute toxicity studies of the ethanolic and aqueous extract of the Pavonia odorata did not exhibit any signs of toxicity up to 2 g/kg body weight. Since there was no mortality observed at a higher dose, 100 and 200 mg/kg doses were selected for evaluation of diuretic activity. The diuretic activity of the extract was screened by quantification of urine volume and electrolyte concentration. Different doses of Pavonia odorata (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally to hydrated rats and the urine output was measured every hour, up to 3 hours. Frusemide (20 mg/kg) was used as standard drug, while normal saline (10ml/kg) was used as control. The treatment of Pavonia odorata at varying doses (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) aqueous and alcoholic extract significantly (P>0.001) increases the urine output (68%, 81%) and (73%, 88%) the excretion of Na+ (90%, 93%) and (92%, 95%). Furthermore, a potassium-sparing effect at (36%,39%) and (40%,43%) was observed. Based on the observations it can be concluded that Pavonia odorata extracts exhibits diuretic property in a dose-dependent manner. Key Words: Diuretic, Pavonia odorata, Frusemide.