EVALUATION OF DIURETIC AND ANTIUROLITHIATIC ACTIVITIES OF ETHANOLIC ROOT EXTRACT OF CURCULIGO ORCHIOIDES
The present study was investigated to establish the diuretic and antiurolithiatic activities of ethanolic root extract of Curculigo orchioides. The ethanolic root extract was administered to experimental rats orally at a dose of 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg. Furosemide (5mg/kg) & Cystone (750mg/kg) was used as standards for diuretic and antiurolithiatic activities respectively. The parameters measured for diuretic activity was total urine volume; urine electrolyte concentrations such as sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonates. The rats treated with ethanolic root extract of Curculigo orchioides showed higher urine output when compared to control. The extract showed increased excretion of electrolytes when compared to that of control. Urolithiasis was induced in male rats by administering ethylene glycol (0.75% v/v) in drinking water for 28days and the parameters such as oxalate, calcium and phosphate were estimated in urine. Serum creatinine, calcium and uric acid were also estimated. Treatment with the root extract of Curculigo orchioides restored all biochemical, urinary parameters. The results obtained justify the importance of the Curculigo orchioides root as a diuretic and antiurolithiatic agent.