Diuretic activity of whole plant extract of Achyranthes aspera Linn

Achyranthes aspera Linn (Amaranthaceae), commonly known as Apamarga in Ayurveda and is found as a weed that has been traditionally used for a number of ailments. The plant is indigenously used as diuretic, spermicidal, anti-allergic, cardiovascular, nephroprotective, antiparasitic, hypoglyceamic, analgesic and antipyretic. In the present study the methanolic extract of whole plant of Achyranthes aspera was investigated for its diuretic potential. The diuretic effect was found out by Lipschitz et al method using furosemide as standard drug. The methanolic extract treated rats showed high diuretic effect as compared to control but this effect was less than furosemide. Significant increase in renal clearance of sodium, potassium and chloride ions was observed in treated and standard groups.