Study on diuretic activity and electrolytes excretion of methanol extract of Lippia nodiflora (Verbenaceae) in rats

In the Indian traditional medicine, Lippia nodiflora (Verbenaceae) whole plant is claimed to possess powerful diuretic activity. However, the diuretic potential of this plant is not yet investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diuretic potential of methanol extract of Lippia nodiflora (MELN) in rats. Control (0.9% saline solution, 25 ml/kg, b.w) or urea (1 g/kg b.w) or frusemide (5 mg/kg b.w) and different concentrations of MELN (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w) were intraperitoneally administered (n = 6 per each treatment group) to hydrated rats and their urine output was monitored over a period of 5 h and 24 h after drug administration. The diuretic responses with its electrolyte excretion potency of the extract were highly remarkable in comparison with control animals. The extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg shows a significant increase in volume of urine with increase in $Na^{+}$, $Ca^{2+}$ and $Cl^{-}$ excretion accompanied by the excretion of $K^{+}$ in dose dependent manner. This study suggests that the active component(s) in MELN had similar diuretic effect to that of frusemide. These results validate the traditional use of Lippia nodiflora as a diuretic agent.