Diuretic Potential of Methanolic Extract of Malva neglecta Wallr; an Animal Based Pharmacokinetic Study

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19016949

Abstract

Herbal medicines are mostly used to treat many pathophysiological problems. The use of Malva neglecta Wallr (MNW), specifically aerial parts are traditionally claimed to be useful in urinary tract inflammation. This vital study mainly focused to investigate diuretic effect of methanol extract of MNW in albino rats, which were not investigated previously. In this vital study methanol extracts of MNW were administered to experimental rats orally at doses of 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg. Furosemide (20 mg/kg) was used as positive control in study. The diuretic effect of the MNW extract was evaluated by quantification of urine volume, sodium, potassium and chloride content. Moreover, saluretic natriuretic index, diuretic index and pH was evaluated. The findings suggested that urine volume was significantly increased in all treatment groups of methanol extract in comparison to control group. While the excretion of sodium, potassium and chloride were also increased by extract at all doses but more significant at 900 mg/kg. There were no significant changes in the pH of urine after administration of the MNW extract. Protein excretion increases in urine by 25% values after extract administration. The diuretic effect of the extract was comparable to that of the reference standard (furosemide) and the methanol had the additional advantage of a potassium-conserving effect.

Through significant findings of this study, it has been concluded that the extract of MNW produced notable diuretic effect which appeared to be comparable to that produced by the reference diuretic furosemide. This vital study provides a quantitative basis for explaining the folkloric use of MNW as a diuretic agent.