EVALUATION OF THE DIURETIC EFFECT OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF VITEX TRIFOLIA LEAVES IN ALBINO RATS

Aims: The study was conducted to evaluate the diuretic effect of ethanol extract of Vitex trifolia leaves in albino rats. Methods: Normal rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 animal each. Group I (Control) treated with 2% Gum Acacia in distilled water orally, Group II (Standard/F20) treated with Furosemide 20mg/kg b.w. orally. Group III and IV treated with Ethanol extract of Vitex trifolia L. leaves at a dose of 300mg/kg b.w. and 600mg/Kg b.w. respectively. Urine collected 5 hrs after the administration of drug. Then the total urine volume was measured. Electrolyte excretion (Na+, K+, Cl-) was estimated for assessment of the various diuretic activity by Sensocare ST 200 plus electrolyte analyzer in Biochemistry Department, JNIMS. Result: A Significant increase in urine output was seen with ethanol extract of Vitex trifolia treated group of animal when compared to normal control. Diuretic activity also increases in a dose dependent manner. Significant increase in sodium, potassium and chloride was also seen in the group treated with the plant extract at both the doses compared to the normal control. Conclusion: The present study supports the traditional use of Vitex trifolia as diuretic agent. Further study at molecular and cellular level is needed to establish its safety and efficacy as diuretic agent.