Comparative evaluation of diuretic activity of different extracts of Tribulus terrestris fruits in experimental animals

Abstract

The main aim of study was to evaluate diuretic activity of various extracts of Tribulus terrestris fruits, prepared by Ayurvedic traditional and modern extraction methods. Different extracts of Tribulus terrestris fruits viz aqueous, methanolic, Kwatha-high strength, Kwatha-low strength (both prepared by decoction method), and Ghana pow- der (dry extract by decoction method) were administered orally to experimental dehydrated rats. Frusemide was used as positive control in the study. The diuretic effect of the extracts was evaluated by measuring urine volume and electrolyte concentration of sodium, potassium, and chloride in both urine and serum. Urine volume was sig- nificantly increased by the Kwatha-high strength in comparison to control group. The excretion of sodium was significantly increased by aqueous extract, methanolic extract, and Kwatha-high strength extract compared to control group. The diuretic effect of the Kwatha-high strength was comparable to that of the reference standard frusemide and also showed additional advantage of a potassium-sparing effect. Thus, Kwatha-high strength ex- tract of Tribulus terrestris possesses significant diuretic effect higher than positive control, frusemide. Thus, the present study confirmed the folklore use of Tribulus terrestris as a diuretic agent.