Evaluation of diuretic activity of Solanum nigrum Linn.

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to investigate diuretic effect of chloroform and ethanol extracts of the leaf of Solanum nigrum in normal rats. Chloroform and ethanol extracts of Solanum nigrum were administered to experimental rats orally at doses of 250 mg/kg p.o. furosemide (25 mg/kg i.p) was used as positive control in study. The diuretic effect of the extracts was evaluated by measuring urine volume, sodium, choride and potassium content. Urine volume was significantly increased by the two doses of chloroform and ethanol extracts in comparison to control group. While the excretion of sodium was also increased by both extracts of the Solanum nigrum. The diuretic effect of the extracts was comparable to that of the reference standard (furosemide) and the extracts had the additional advantage of a potassium-conserving effect. It has been concluded that the extracts of Solanum nigrum have significant diuretic effect in experimental rats.