Coden: Ijpnl6 Evaluation of Diuretic and Antiurolithiatic Activities of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Basella Alba

The present study was undertaken to investigate the diuretic and antiurolithiatic activities of ethanolic leaf extract of Basella alba in Albino rats. Ethanolic leaf extract was administered to experimental rats orally at doses of 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg (each p.o). Furosemide (5mg/kg) was used as a standard. The diuretic effect of the extract was evaluated by measuring the urine volume and determining sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate contents. Urolithiasis was induced in male rats by administering ethylene glycol (0.75%) in drinking water to groups II-V except normal control (Group I) for 28 days. Groups I, II and III served as normal control, positive control (hyperurolithiatic), and standard (cystone 750mg/kg), respectively, Groups IV and V served as curative regimen. Oxalate, calcium, phosphate were monitored in urine. Serum calcium, creatinine and uric acid were also recorded. The extract of Basella alba was safe and exhibited no gross behavioral changes in the rats. A significant diuretic effect was observed from the experimental animals treated with extract of Basella alba individually compared to the control. The results obtained suggest potential usefulness of extract of Basella alba leaf as an antiurolithiatic agent.