International Journal of Advanced Research and Development

Authors
Suruthi Chnadrasekaran, Vijaya Bharathi Rajkishore, Radha Ramalingam

Abstract
Vigna unguiculata is an annual herb, which is mainly used as diuretic, laxative, galactogogue, aphrodisiac and appetizer. The aim of this study is to investigate diuretic effects on the leaves of Vigna unguiculata in normal rats. The dried leaf powder was subjected to successive solvent extraction with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethanol. Among these ethanolic extract were administered orally at a dose of 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight by performing acute toxicity studies and investigated for diuretic activity in wistar rats using furosemide as standard. The extract was found to produce significant diuretic activity. The diuretic effect was evaluated by measuring the urine volume and levels of sodium, potassium and chloride ions. The results obtained revealed that the ethanolic extrat showed significant diuretic activity at a dose of 400mg/kg body weight by increasing the total urine volume and levels of sodium, potassium and chloride in urine when compared to standard drug. The findings concluded that Vigna unguiculata leaves exhibit diuresis and these findings support the traditional use of Vigna unguiculata leaves as diuretic agents.