Diuretic activity and urinary electrolyte effects of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. & Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn. in experimental rats

Introduction: Diuretic drugs are commonly prescribed as primary or adjuvant therapy in various diseases, including congestive cardiac failure and hypertension. However, the adverse effects limit their usage to specific populations. There is an excellent opportunity for drugs with effective diuretic action and limited side effects. The present research was designed to assess the diuretic potential of ethanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus (HIEE) and Decalepis hamiltonii (DHEE). Methods: A total of ۸ groups (n=۶) of Wistar rats were used in the study to assess the diuretic activity of HIEE and DHEE. Group I was treated with ۰.۵% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), group II with furosemide (۱۰ mg/kg, p.o), groups III-V with HIEE, and groups VI-VIII with DHEE, respectively, at ۲۰۰, ۴۰۰, and ۸۰۰ mg/kg doses. After the treatment, animals were individually shifted to metabolic cages for urine collection at ۵ and ۲۴ h intervals and studied the urinary electrolytes. Saluretic and natriuretic effects and the index of HIEE and DHEE were calculated. Results: The results revealed that both extracts considerably (P < ۰.۰۵) increased the urine volume and electrolytes (Na+ , K+ , Cl– ) compared to the normal control except low dose treatment. DHEE extract at ۸۰۰ mg/kg dose showed higher diuretic potential than HIEE in the total volume of urine and urinary electrolytes (P < ۰.۰۵). Conclusion: HIEE and DHEE possess diuretic potential, which should be confirmed in human studies.