Evaluation of the diuretic effect of some plants used in Saudi traditional medicine

Diuretic activity of six endemic species from Saudi Arabia, namely Indigofera oblongifolia, Corchorus olitorius, Ocimum basilicum, Lavandula pubescens, Carthamus tinctorius and Alchemilla vulgaris was evaluated in rats using furosemide, urea and two doses of the ethanol extracts of the plants (200, 400 mg/Kg body weight) were administered intraperitoneally in normal rats. Urine samples were collected over the period of 5 hours and analyzed for electrolytes, urine output, diuretic activity and urine pH. Potent significant diuretic effect was observed for A. vulgaris and I. oblongifolia, fact that could explain the traditional use of these plants as folkloric diuretic agents.King Saud Universit