Diuretic activity comparison of Aerva lanata and Aerva tomentosa.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: COMPARISION OF DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF AERVA LANATA (Linn.) Juss. ex. Schult & AERVA TOMENTOSA Forsk. Family: AMARANTHACEAE
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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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study explored the diuretic activity of concentrated ethanolic extracts from two species of the Aerva plant, Aerva lanata (Linn.) and Aerva tomentosa Forsk, both belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. These plants are known for their traditional medicinal uses, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine, where they are utilized for their diuretic properties and other health benefits such as treating lithiasis and joint pains. In this experiment, healthy albino rats were used to test the efficacy of these herbal extracts against frusemide, a commonly used diuretic drug, to assess their potential therapeutic value.
Diuretic Activity of Aerva lanata
The key finding of the study was that the concentrated ethanolic extract of Aerva lanata significantly increased urine output and elevated levels of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl-) ions in the urine, indicating its effective diuretic activity. In contrast, Aerva tomentosa did not exhibit a notable diuretic effect. The study utilized a metabolic cage to measure urine volumes and analyze electrolyte concentrations, comparing the results against a control group and the reference drug, frusemide. It was concluded that while Aerva lanata demonstrated a mild diuretic effect compared to frusemide, it was still significant and warrants further investigation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ethanolic extract of Aerva lanata exhibits notable diuretic activity, highlighted by increased urine output and electrolyte excretion, as compared to the standard diuretic frusemide. Conversely, Aerva tomentosa did not show similar effects, suggesting that Aerva lanata holds more promise as a natural diuretic agent. These findings enhance the understanding of the medicinal properties of Aerva species and support the need for further research into their potential applications in modern herbal medicine.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Deepak Kumar, D.N. Prasad, S.P. Bhatnagar
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: COMPARISION OF DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF AERVA LANATA (Linn.) Juss. ex. Schult & AERVA TOMENTOSA Forsk. Family: AMARANTHACEAE
Year: 2005
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the main findings about Aerva lanata's diuretic activity?
The concentrated ethanolic extract of Aerva lanata significantly increased urine output and electrolyte levels. Its diuretic effect was mild compared to the standard drug, frusemide, but notable compared to the control group.
How were the ethanolic extracts of Aerva species prepared?
Both Aerva lanata and Aerva tomentosa were collected, dried, and ground. The powdered materials were extracted with 95% ethanol in a Soxhlet extractor for 18–20 hours, followed by centrifugation and concentration under reduced pressure.
What was the methodology used for testing diuretic activity?
Albino rats were divided into groups and deprived of food and water. After hydration, they received either frusemide or the herbal extracts. Urine was collected for 6 hours, and electrolyte levels were measured using appropriate methods.
Did Aerva tomentosa show any significant diuretic activity?
No, Aerva tomentosa did not demonstrate significant diuretic activity compared to Aerva lanata. Only the ethanolic extract of Aerva lanata resulted in increased urine output and electrolyte levels.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Diuretic activity comparison of Aerva lanata and Aerva tomentosa.”. 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:
In the context of the study, 'Activity' refers to the diuretic efficacy exhibited by the concentrated ethanolic extract of Aerva lanata. It signifies the biological response elicited by the plant extracts in increasing urine output and altering electrolyte levels, comparing the extracts against the standard diuretic drug, frusemide.
2) Drug:
'Drug' pertains to substances used for medical treatment. In this study, frusemide serves as a reference drug to evaluate the diuretic effects of Aerva lanata and Aerva tomentosa extracts. The comparison emphasizes the effectiveness and potential of the natural extracts in therapeutic applications, similar to pharmaceutical drugs.
3) Toxicity:
'Toxicity' encompasses the potential harmful effects of a substance. The study involved assessing the acute toxicity of concentrated extracts through standard methods. It ensures the safety of the extracts in the tested dose range, indicating that they are non-toxic when administered in specified doses to the rats.
4) Science (Scientific):
'Science' embodies the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. This research exemplifies the scientific method by investigating the diuretic effects of plant extracts, applying rigorous methodologies to gather and analyze data, which enhances understanding of herbal remedies and their therapeutic potentials.
5) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
'Ayurveda' is a traditional system of medicine originating in India, emphasizing natural healing practices. In this study, it serves as a foundational knowledge that supports the use of Aerva species as a diuretic, providing historical and cultural context for the therapeutic potential of herbal treatments in health and wellness.
6) Water:
'Water' plays a critical role in diuretic activity, as it is the primary medium for urine formation. The study assesses the change in urine volume linked to the extracts. Moreover, it underlines the importance of hydration in an experimental setup, with normal saline being used to standardize fluid intake prior to treatment.