Effect of aqueous extract of Pergularia daemia on urine production

In present study crude extracts obtain from whole plant Pergularia daemia by using different solvent such as petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening for the presence of bioactive constituents. Later promising aqueous extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was screened for diuretic property. Diuretic activity of plant was assessed in rats with furosemide as a standard drug using Lipschitzs test. Administration of the aqueous extract leads to diuresis with increase in Na+ and K+ level without altering Na+/ K+ and Cl-/ Na+ + K+ ratio and slight decrease in pH. Despite of change in urinary excretion of electrolytes the plasma Na+, K+ level and hematocrit were not affected by both fractions. The aqueous extract did not appear to have renal toxicity or any adverse effect during the study period. Results also suggest that diuresis produces by the aqueous extract is saluretic rather than aquaretic. Phytochemical analysis of aqueous extract showed presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Thus, the present study revealed that the aqueous extract of P. daemia exhibited significant diuretic activity in the tested model and support the pharmacological credence to the folkloric and ethnomedical uses of P. daemia.