Diuretic Activity of Polyscias Fruticosa (l.) Harms

Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harm (Family: Araliaceae) is possibly native to Malaysia, but now widely cultivated in tropical areas and as a greenhouse plant. In Fiji, the root is used as a diuretic. The juice from the bark is taken for thrush and an ulcerated tongue or throat. A poultice made from the bark is used on syphilitic sores. The present study was undertaken to investigate diuretic effect of petroleum ether extract of the Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harm (PEPF) in albino rats. Acute oral toxicity study was performed as per OECD guidelines. In acute oral toxicity study, mortality was not observed up to 2000 mg/kg bodyweight. PEPF were administered at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. Furosemide (500 mg/kg, p.o) was used as positive control in study. The diuretic effect of the extract was evaluated by measuring urine volume, sodium and potassium content. Urine volume is significantly increased at two doses of PEPF 250 & 500 mg/kg body wt in treated rats. The excretion of sodium, Potassium levels was also increased by the PEPF. The diuretic effect of the extract was similar to furosemide. The PEPF had the additional advantage of chloride conserving effect. This study concludes that PEPF produced notable diuretic effect which appeared to be comparable to that produced by the standard diuretic furosemide. The present study provides a quantitative basis for explaining the folkloric use of Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harm as a diuretic agent.