Evaluation of the Diuretic Activities of 80% Methanol Leaf Extract and Solvent Fractions of Rumex nepalensis in Mice

Abstract

Background: The leaf of Rumex nepalensis has historically been employed to treat urinary retention and as a diuretic. Despite these assertions, there has been very little research addressing the diuretic effect of the leaves of R. nepalensis. Therefore, this study was done to examine the diuretic properties of R. nepalensis leaves. Methods: Cold maceration with 80% methanol was used to extract the coarsely powdered leaves of R. nepalensis. The extract was separated using increasing polarity solvents, beginning with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. Mice were split into sections to test the plant's diuretic properties. The negative control groups were given either distilled water or 2% tween 80; the positive control groups were given furosemide (10 mg/kg); and the test groups were given the 80% methanol extract and solvent fractions orally at dosages of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. The urine volume was determined, and urine analysis was performed on each extract. Results: At dosage levels of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, the 80% methanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction, and aqueous fraction all produced substantial diuresis (p<0.001) as compared to the negative control. Similarly, mice given the 80% methanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction, and aqueous fraction demonstrated substantial natriuresis (p<0.001) and kaliuresis (p<0.001) at dosages of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively, in comparison to the negative control. Conclusion: The diuretic activity of R. nepalensis was significantly seen in the 80% methanol extract, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions, which corroborated the plant's traditional use.