DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC AND ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF CENTELLA ASIATICA LEAVES IN RATS

Abstract

Diuretics increase the rate of urine flow and are used to adjust the volume and composition of body fluids in a variety of clinical situations including hypertension, heart failure, renal failure, nephritic syndrome and cirrhosis. Traditionally, Centella asiatica has been used as antileprotic, anxiolytic, nootropic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral and antiinflammatory agent. The present study was under taken to investigate the diuretic effect of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Centella asiatica in wistar rats. The extract was given orally at a dose of 500mg/kg. Total urine volume and the concentration of sodium, potassium and chloride ions in the urine were taken into account during the experimental work. The extracts showed a significant diuretic effect with increase in electrolyte concentration in urine when compared with standard drug furosemide (20mg/kg p.o.). Relatively the ethanolic extract showed potent diuretic activity than the methanolic extract.