Diuretic activity of aqueous extract of Spilanthes paniculata flower in rats

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the diuretic activity of aqueous extract of Spilanthes paniculata (SpE) flowers in rats. Materials and Methods: The three different doses of aqueous extract of SpE flowers (aqueous SpE) (100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg) and standard furosemide (10 mg/kg) were orally administered to rats. The various analytical parameters like urine volume, pH, density, conductivity, Na+ and K+ content were measured in the urine of saline loaded rats. Results: Treatment with three different doses of aqueous extract of SpE flowers (100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg p.o.) and standard furosemide (10 mg/kg) has significantly increased the urine volume, conductivity, Na+ and K+ content as compared to control group. The pH of urine was found to be increased by aqueous extract at 500 mg/kg, whereas decreased by aqueous extract at 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and standard furosemide. The density of urine shows significant similarity in the treated group compared to control group. Conclusion: The results suggest that the aqueous extract of SpE flowers presents a notable diuretic effect at different doses of (100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) which is associated with marked increase in both urinary Na+ and K+ levels. The aqueous extract (500 mg/kg) has shown the most pronounced diuretic effect and may act as loop diuretic.
Key words: Asteraceae, diuretic activity, Spilanthes paniculata