EVALUATION OF DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF BOSWELLIA SERRATA LEAF EXTRACTS IN ALBINO MICE

Objective: The objective of the current study is to evaluate the diuretic activity of Boswelliaserrata leaf extracts in albino mice. Methods : The leaf extracts were prepared using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol and distilled water. The effective dose of 250mg/kg, 200mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg were used respectively. A preliminary phytochemical screening was performed to know the constituents in each extract. All the extracts were then evaluated for their diuretic activity. The volume of urine and excretion of electrolytes in the urine was measured to assess the diuretic activity. Results: Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinone and steroids. Petroleum ether extract and aqueous extract showed a higher volume of urine excreted when compared to other groups. In analyzing the discharge of electrolytes, petroleum ether extract showed excretion of Na+ and K+ while Chloroform extract showed excretion of Cl- ions. Ethanolic group portrayed low excretion of both electrolytes and urine volume. In the petroleum ether extract and chloroform extract, BUN levels were significantly more when compared to other groups. There was no significant effect on the levels of serum creatinine in all the extracts. Overall the petroleum ether extract substantiated a near to equal value in comparison with the standard drug [furosemide]. Conclusion: The data obtained in this study showed that the leaves of Boswelliaserrata showed diuretic activity with no toxic effects on the kidneys.