Evaluation of diuretic activity of ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts of Nardostachys jatamansi DC roots in rats

Nardostachys jatamansi DC is important plant of the family Valerianaceae. Nardostachys jatamansi DC is classified as hypno-sedative in Ayurveda. It is used in treatment of insomnia, hysteria and depressive illness. The plant abounds in sesquiterpenes predominantly; jatamansone and nardostachone. The plant has demonstrated several pharmacological activities including hepatoprotective, cardio protective and hypolipidemic and antifungal. The aim of present study was to investigate the diuretic activity of ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts of Nardostachys jatamansi DC roots in rats. Ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts were administered orally at a dose of 200mg/kg and 500mg/kg. The results were analysed by One Way Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA). The results showed that both the extracts of roots showed significant diuresis relatively ethanolic extract has shown more activity than petroleum ether extracts. The findings concluded that Nardostachys jatamansi DC roots exhibit diuretic activity and further studies are suggested to isolate the active principles responsible for the activity.

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