Diuretic and Laxative Activities of Methanol Extract of Mimosa pudica Leaves

The methanol extract of leaves of Mimosa pudica (Mimosaceae) was screened for diuretic and laxative activities in wistar albino rats. The study suggested that the extract was found to produce significant diuretic as well as laxative activities in dose dependant manner (200 and 400mg/kg p. o.). These activities were comparable with the standard drugs such as Furosemide (10mg/kg p. o.) and Agar-agar (300mg/kg p. o.) respectively. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of methanol extract of leaves of Mimosa pudica revealed the presence of phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, tannins, mucilage and flavonoids. The present study indicates that the observed significant diuretic and laxative activities of Mimosa pudica leaves may be contributed to the phytoconstituents present in it. Further work is in progress to identify the possible mechanisms of action and to identify the lead molecules responsible for diuretic and laxative activities.