Introducation: Diuretics are the drugs which increase the urine output. This property is useful in various pathological conditions of fluid overload. The presently available diuretics have lot of adverse effects. Our study has evaluated the diuretic activity of ethanolic root extract of Mimosa pudica as an alternative/new drug which may induce diuresis.
Aim: To evaluate the diuretic activity of ethanolic root extract of Mimosa pudicaa in albino rats.
Materials and methods: Ethanolic root extract of Mimosa pudica (EEMP) was prepared using soxhlet's apparatus. Albino rats were divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each. Group-I (Control) received distilled water 25ml/kg orally. Group-II (Standard) received Furosemide 20mg/kg orally. Group-III received EEMP 100 mg/kg, Group-IV received EEMP 200 mg/kg and Group-V received EEMP 400 mg/kg. The urine samples were collected for all the groups upto 5 hours after dosing and urine volume was measured. Urine was analysed for electrolytes (Na+, K+ and Cl-). ANOVA, Dunnet's test and p-values were measured and data was analysed.
Results: EEMP exhibited significant diuretic activity by increasing urine volume and also by enhancing elimination of Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+) and Chloride (Cl-) at doses of 100 and 200mg/kg.
Conclusion: EEMP possesses significant diuretic activity and has a beneficial role in volume overload conditions.
Keywords: Furosemide; Soxhlet’s apparatus.