Evaluation of diuretic activity of ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum (L.) in Wistar albino rat

Ocimum sanctum L., a popular herbal remedy with a myriad of medicinal properties has been well studied. Leaves and seeds of this plant have been reported to reduce blood and urinary uric acid level and claimed to have diuretic property. This study attempts to explore the diuretic activity of aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum in healthy Wistar albino rats. The study was conducted in saline primed Wistar albino rats (n=6) using frusemide (20 mg/kg per oral) as the reference diuretic drug with two oral doses of ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum (L.) 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively. Urine volume and electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium and Chloride) excretion was estimated at the end of 24 hours. Data was analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Ocimum sanctum extract significantly increased the volume of urine (5.48±0.13ml/100g/24hr and 7.52±0.19ml/100gm/24hr), increasing the diuretic index to 1.65 and 2.26 for 250mgkg and 500mg/kg dose ranges respectively (P< 0.01). The test drug, when compared to the control group, showed a significant increase in the excretion of sodium, potassium and chloride excretion. There was an increase in the saluretic index as reflected by the Na/K ratio to 2.2 and 2 respectively for the two dosages studied when compared to frusemide which showed a saluretic index of 1.81. These findings support the use of Ocimum sanctum as a diuretic agent with an action similar to that of the loop diuretic, frusemide. Further studies with larger doses and longer duration exploring the exact mechanism of action are warranted.