Diuretic activity of Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Diuretic activity of Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn.
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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D. Sasmal, Sanjita Das, S.P. Basu
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Diuretic activity of Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn.
Year: 2007
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn, commonly known as Harsingar or Night Jasmine, is a large shrub or small tree native to India and recognized for its medicinal properties. The present study investigates the diuretic activity of various water-soluble portions of ethanolic extracts derived from the flowers, barks, seeds, and leaves of the plant. Previous research has validated the plant's traditional uses in treating different ailments, prompting a systematic exploration of its potential diuretic effects through pharmacological evaluation.
Diuretic Activity of Ethanolic Extracts
The study assessed the diuretic activity of ethanolic extracts by measuring total urine volume and electrolyte excretion—specifically sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl-)—in Wistar rats. The extracts were deemed safe up to a dose of 2.0 gm/kg after a toxicity study, and various doses (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) of the extracts were selected for the diuretic evaluation. Results indicated that the extracts, particularly those from the seeds and leaves, produced a significant increase in urine volume and electrolyte excretion in a dose-dependent manner. Compared to control groups, the extracts demonstrated enhanced Na+, K+, and Cl- excretion, with the seed and leaf extracts performing notably well in promoting diuresis.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that ethanolic extracts of Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn possess significant diuretic activity, which may be attributed to the presence of active compounds like flavonoids and terpinoids identified in the extracts. The study's insights into the plant's electrolyte excretion effects underscore its potential therapeutic applications, particularly in managing conditions like hypertension and edema. Further research is warranted to isolate these active compounds and explore their mechanisms of action, contributing to a deeper understanding of the medicinal benefits of Nyctanthes arbortristis.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Nyctanthes arbortristis and its common uses?
Nyctanthes arbortristis, commonly known as Harsingar or Night Jasmine, is a hardy shrub native to India. Traditionally, rural people use it to treat various ailments due to its medicinal properties.
What was the focus of the diuretic activity study?
The study aimed to establish the diuretic activity of water-soluble portions of ethanolic extracts from the flowers, barks, seeds, and leaves of Nyctanthes arbortristis by measuring urine volume and electrolyte excretion.
How was the diuretic activity of the plant extracts tested?
The diuretic activity was evaluated using Wistar rats. They were deprived of food and water before administration of extracts, and urine was collected to measure volume and concentrations of sodium, potassium, and chloride.
What were the findings regarding the extracts' diuretic effects?
The ethanolic extracts showed significant diuretic activity, particularly from seeds and leaves, resulting in increased urine volume and electrolyte excretion, with effects observed in a dose-dependent manner.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Diuretic activity of Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
The term 'activity' in this context refers specifically to the diuretic activity being investigated in Nyctanthes arbortristis L. Diuretics are substances that promote urine production, which is a crucial aspect in managing various medical conditions, particularly those related to fluid retention and hypertension. The study aims to quantify and establish this activity scientifically.
2) Water:
Water is a fundamental component in the study, as the extracts being analyzed are water-soluble portions of the ethanolic extracts. This relevance is significant since diuretic effects involve the excretion of water; hence, understanding how these extracts influence water retention and loss provides insights into their therapeutic potential.
3) Drug:
The reference to 'drug' connects to the medicinal nature of the extracts and their potential use in treating specific conditions. The ethanolic extracts from Nyctanthes arbortristis L. may serve as natural drugs or lead to the development of new pharmaceutical agents with diuretic properties. Their safety and efficacy are evaluated as with conventional drugs.
4) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is critical to this study as it encompasses the understanding of how these natural extracts affect bodily functions, particularly in promoting diuresis. This scientific discipline helps analyze the mechanisms by which the extracts exert their diuretic effect, aiding in discovering potential therapeutic applications for common ailments.
5) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are identified as active principles in the extract that contribute to diuretic activity. These compounds are known for their various health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The presence of flavonoids in Nyctanthes arbortristis L. offers a biochemical basis for its potential effectiveness and promotes deeper investigation into natural therapies.
6) Toxicity:
Toxicity relates to the safety profile of the plant extracts under investigation. Understanding the acute toxicity of the ethanolic extracts ensures that they can be used safely up to a certain dosage. In pharmacological studies, demonstrating a non-toxic nature is vital before considering any therapeutic application in humans or animals.
7) Edema (Oedema):
Edema, or excess fluid retention in the body, is a condition often treated with diuretics. The relevance of edema in this study lies in the potential benefits of using Nyctanthes arbortristis L. extracts in managing such conditions. The diuretic activity may alleviate symptoms by promoting fluid excretion, thus providing therapeutic benefits.
8) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological aspects are crucial for this research, indicating the exploration of how substances interact with biological systems. The ethanolic extracts' effects on urine volume and electrolyte excretion underline their pharmacological significance. This term emphasizes the systematic study aimed at understanding the biochemical interactions contributing to the diuretic effects.
9) Discussion:
The 'discussion' section of the paper interprets and contextualizes the findings of the study. Here, the authors connect the observed diuretic effects with existing knowledge, offering insights into the potential applications of Nyctanthes arbortristis L. extracts in managing conditions like hypertension and fluid retention, enhancing the scientific discourse.
10) Depression:
Depression in this context refers to the observed decrease in locomotor activity among mice after administration of the extracts, suggesting a central nervous system (CNS) effect. This aspect is relevant as it helps evaluate additional effects of the extracts beyond diuresis, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of their impact on health.
11) Godavari (Godāvarī, Godāvari, Go-davari):
Godavari refers to a geographic location in India where Nyctanthes arbortristis L. is native. The environmental and cultural significance of this region underlines the plant's traditional uses and its availability for study. Understanding the ecological context helps in appreciating the plant's role in local practices and potential therapeutic applications.
12) Science (Scientific):
The term 'science' encapsulates the approach taken in this study—using scientific methods to explore the diuretic properties of a traditional medicinal plant. This relevance emphasizes the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific inquiry, striving to validate natural remedies through rigorous experimental design and analysis.
13) Jasmine:
Jasmine, a common name for Nyctanthes arbortristis L., highlights its botanical identification and cultural significance. Mentioning jasmine situates this plant within ornamental and cultural contexts, while also making clear the subject of study in the research. The name assists with identifying the specific plant in pharmacological studies.
14) Gupta (Guptā):
Gupta refers to an author or researcher cited in the references, indicating collaboration and participation in the scientific community. Citing works by Gupta adds credibility to the study by situating it within the framework of existing research, which supports or contrasts the current findings on Nyctanthes arbortristis L.
15) Sugar:
Sugar may relate to the presence of carbohydrates in the ethanolic extracts of the plant. This highlights the biochemical composition of the extracts, which can impact their pharmacological activity, including nutrient content that might have effects on the metabolic processes within the body in addition to their diuretic properties.
16) Guru:
Guru may refer to the authors or researchers seen as guides in the field of pharmacognosy or traditional medicine. Their expertise contributes to the validity and depth of the study, implying that the findings on Nyctanthes arbortristis L. may rest on established knowledge from authoritative figures in herbal medicine.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Diuretic activity of Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn.’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Active principle, Statistical analysis, Ethanolic extract, Pharmacological screening, Diuretic activity, Electrolyte excretion, Toxicity study, Animal ethics, Electrolyte levels, Botanical Survey of India, Institutional Animals Ethics Committee, Metabolic cage, Hypokalemia risk, Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn.