Evaluation of diuretic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Leptadenia pyrotechnica in rats

In traditional Indian medicine, the whole plant of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Asclepiadaceae) is said to have a strong diuretic effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diuretic potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (HALPE) in rats. Group I, control (0.5% CMC saline, 10 ml/kg, b.w.), group II, furosemide (10 mg/kg b.w.) as a standard drug, and different concentrations of L.P. (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w.) were administered intraperitoneally (n = 5 per treatment group) to hydrated rats, and their urine output was monitored at 6 h, 12 h, and 18 h after drug administration. The diuretic effect of the extract was highly significant compared to control animals. Halpe at a dose of 400 mg/kg shows a significant increase in urine volume with increased urine output. This study suggests that the active component of L.P. had a diuretic effect similar to that of furosemide. These results confirm the traditional use of Leptadenia pyrotechnica as a diuretic agent. Since ancient times, medicinal plants, sometimes called herbs, have been used in various traditional medical procedures. Leptadenia pyrotechnica is a plant commonly known as the chimp. It is traditionally used in rural areas for the treatment of many diseases, such as antifungal, antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, wound healing, anthelmintic, atherosclerosis, hypolipidemia, diuretic, diabetes, and hepatoprotective. In rural areas, this plant is also used as medicine and as a vegetable. First, the plants are dried and turned into powder, which is then used as a paste for ringworm, antifungal, wound treatment, and new plants for many other diseases.