EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF HIBISCUS ROSA-SINENSIS. LINN. ON URINARY VOLUME & ELECTROLYTE EXCRETION IN ALBINO RATS

Abstract

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Linn grown widely in tropical countries, recently known to have anti-hypertensive effect in the albino rats. This report has shown new dimension to one clinical use & paucity of data available in this regard, the present work is undertaken to study this effect scientifically. Albino rats (100-200gms) deprived of food for 15hrs divided into seven groups of six in each and put in metabolic cages after hydration by normal saline for 24hrs. Aqueous extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis was administered in100,200,400 & 600 mg/kg doses per oral. Urinary volume, total Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^- conc. was estimated at 5^th & 24^th hr and compared with control group. Furosemide 25mg/kg PO was taken as the standard. Aqueous extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis(AEHR ) was found to increase the urinary volume of the 5^th hr and 24^th hr sample. Na⁺ & Cl^- excretion also significantly increased in 200&400 mg/kg doses. AEHR was found to possesses diuretic activity.