Natriuretic and saluretic effects of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. root extracts in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to investigate the diuretic effects of aqueous (AqE) and ethanolic (EtE) crude extracts of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. roots (family - Asclepiadaceae) using acute model in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single individual dose of AqE and EtE of H. indicus root (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, p.o., each), frusemide and hydrochlorothiazide, (25 mg/kg, p.o., each) as reference diuretic drugs were administered orally to dehydrated rats. Control group rats were fed with normal saline (25 ml/kg, p.o.). All rats were caged in metabolic cages in a pairs and their urine output was monitored at 5 and 24 h intervals. RESULTS: Both extracts significantly increased the urine output in higher doses. Although, the onset of this diuretic action was gradual (within 5 h), it lasted throughout the studied period (up to 24 h). Further, the intensity of diuresis induced by AqE (400 mg/kg) in 5 h was almost similar to that of frusemide and hydrochlothiazide. AqE of H. indicus root also caused marked increase in urinary Na(+) and K(+) levels. However, the routine urinalysis showed non-significant alterations in pH and specific gravity by either dose of crude extracts of H. indicus roots. CONCLUSIONS: These effects demonstrate possible diuretic actions of H. indicus root extracts and support its folklore use in various urinary ailments. Further study need to be done to characterize active phytoconstituents.

Antidiabetic activity of aqueous bark extract of Cassia glauca in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The leaves and bark of Cassia glauca Lam., a glabrous tree in the family Fabaceae, are used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic activity of the aqueous extract of C. glauca bark. The various parameters that were studied in treated or untreated normoglycemic and STZ-induced diabetic rats included the effect of the aqueous extract on oral glucose tolerance, fasting blood glucose, body weight, serum lipids, liver glycogen, serum insulin, and glycosylated haemoglobin. Oral administration of the aqueous extract of C. glauca bark at a dose of 500 mg/kg significantly reduced the effect of external glucose load. In a chronic treatment model, aqueous extract and glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg) were administered for 21 days. At the end of the treatment, there was a significant increase in liver glycogen, serum insulin, and HDL cholesterol for both treatments. A significant decrease in fasting blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, total cholesterol, and serum triglycerides was also observed. The body weights of the animals were observed to be consistent throughout the study. The findings showed the significant antidiabetic potential of the extract in ameliorating the diabetic condition in the diabetic rats. No significant activity was found in the normoglycemic rats.

Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. root-wood on ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in rats.

In India, drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae)) is commonly used as a phytotherapeutic agent. The effect of oral administration of aqueous and alcoholic extract of Moringa oleifera root-wood on calcium oxalate urolithiasis has been studied in male Wistar albino rats. Ethylene glycol feeding resulted in hyperoxaluria as well as increased renal excretion of calcium and phosphate. Supplementation with aqueous and alcoholic extract of Moringa oleifera root-wood significantly reduced the elevated urinary oxalate, showing a regulatory action on endogenous oxalate synthesis. The increased deposition of stone forming constituents in the kidneys of calculogenic rats was also significantly lowered by curative and preventive treatment using aqueous and alcoholic extracts. The results indicate that the root-wood of Moringa oleifera is endowed with antiurolithiatic activity.