Tragia spp: Assessment of Diuretic Activity and Standardization of the Whole Plant

Background: Due to several toxic effects of synthetic diuretics drugs, people relay of medicinal plants as a source of diuretics. Hence, the efficacy of Tragia spp. which belonging to plant family Euphorbiaceae is an important medicinal plant used as a diuretic in Sri Lanka. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate diuretic activity and standardize whole plant of Tragia spp. Materials and methods: Plant extract (doses of 550, 1100, 1650, 2200 mg/kg), vehicle (2 ml of distilled water), reference drug (furosemide at 13 mg/kg) were given orally to separate groups of Wistar male rats (N = 6). In order to assess the diuretic activity, urine output was measured hourly for five hours. Na+ and K+ content, specific gravity, pH of urine measured in all groups. Whole plant of Tragia spp. was standardized in terms of physico-chemical parameters, phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity. Results: Results revealed that urine output of rats were significantly (P<0.05) increased when increasing the dose of Tragia spp. extract. Diuretic activity was initiated in the first hour and declined with time. Diuresis was maximum at the 1 h and at a dose of 2200 mg/kg urine output was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the reference drug. Tragia spp. extract also triggered a clear increase in Na+ and K+ levels and decreased pH levels in urine. Physico-chemical parameters, phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity were determined in order to standard Tragia spp. Conclusion: Tragia spp. exhibit marked diuretic activity and its mechanism of action is similar to a loop diuretic drug. Further, establishment of standardization parameters of Tragia spp. will help in correct identification and prevent adulteration.