Evaluation of Diuretic Activity of Alternanthera Sessilis (L.)

The plant Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. Ex DC belonging to the family Amaranthaceae was selected for the project, on the basis of ethnobotanical information, and easy availability. The diuretic activity of hydro-ethanolic extract was evaluated by lipschitz et.al method. The parameters taken for each individual rat were body weight total urine volume urine concentrations of Na⁺, Cl⁻, Na⁺ and K⁺ concentration were measured by flame photometry and Cl⁻ concentrations was estimated titrimetrically. Frusemide was used as reference drug while normal saline solution was used as control. Hydroalcoholic extracts caused marked increase in Na⁺ Cl ⁻, and decrease K⁺ level in urine.