Diuretic effect of chloroform seed extract of Moringa oleifera (Linn.) in Wistar rats

Background: Diuretics are widely prescribed group of drugs for mobilizing oedema in a variety of clinical situations, including hypertension, heart failure, renal failure, nephrotic syndrome and cirrhosis. Problems like drug resistance, adverse drug reactions and emerging newer diseases, have necessitated research on the vast untapped potential of herbals as potent drugs. Hence in this study an attempt has been made to evaluate the diuretic property of Moringa oleifera.Methods: Twenty-four adult wistar rats of either sex were divided into four group of six each and they were fasted for 18 hours. Group I received normal feed and water ad libitum. Group IIa received frusemide 1mg/kg, Group IIb received thiazide 2.5 mg / kg and Group III received chloroform extract of Moringa oleifera seed (1000 mg/kg) orally. The diuretic response was assessed by the increase in urine volume and urinary electrolytes.Results: The analysis showed an increase in urine volume in the groups IIa, IIb and III.Conclusions: The observations of the present study showed, the total volume of urine, natriuretic, kaliuretic effect exerted by the plant extract was similar to that of hydrochlorothiazide (moderate efficacy diuretic)