This study was performed to compare the aqueous & ethanolic extracts of the roots & stems of Nymphaea stellata Willd. (Nymphaeaceae) for diuretic activity on rats, to justify the traditional claim of this as per Indian Medicinal Plants (Kirtikar and Basu). Roots and stem were extracted by cold maceration process using demineralised water and ethanol as solvent. Diuretic activity was studied for volume of urine, excretion of sodium and potassium ions by flame photometry. The diuretic activity was assessed in doses 300, 500, 700 mg/kg/p.o. of both extracts separately using Furosemide (100 mg/kg/p.o.) as a standard. One way ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis. There was significant increase (p<0.0001) in urine volume and excretion of sodium and potassium ions at doses 500 & 700 mg/kg/ p.o. of aqueous extract as compared to control group and 300 mg/kg/p.o. of alcoholic extract as compared to control group. The present study revealed that the ethanolic extract was more effective and supports the traditional claim of Nymphaea stellata Willd. as a diuretic. The study concluded that urolithiatic activity can be further evaluated as it increases the excretion of Sodium and Potassium ions.
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