LAXATIVE AND DIURETIC PROPERTY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LEAVES OF ALOCASIA MACRORRHIZA LINN. ON EXPERMENTAL ALBINO RATS

Abstract

The present study was carried out to evaluate the laxative and diuretic effect of Alocasia macrorrhiza leaves extract in rats. The ethanolic extract was found to produce significantly laxative activity in dose dependent manner. On other hand diuretic and natriuretic activities were carried out by administration of normal saline along with the treatment modules. The volume of urine (in ml) and the Na+ and K+ content in the urine were measured. The ethanolic extract of 100, 200 and 400 mg / kg, produced significant laxative, diuretic and natriuretic activity. Presence of different phytoconstituent in ethanolic extract of Alocasia macrorrhiza may be responsible for the specific activities. Overall, the extract was found to be significant laxative and diuretic activity.