Natriuretic and Saluretic effects of Caesalpinia bonduc (Linn.) Roxb Seed Extracts in Rats

The study aimed to explore the diuretic effects of extracts of Caesalpinia bonduc (Linn.) Roxb seed, a member of the Caesalpiniaceae family, using an acute rat model. Dehydrated rats were administered single dose of the extracts, prepared in both aqueous and ethanol forms, at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg orally. Additionally, rats were given 25 mg/kg of frusemide and hydrochlorothiazide as standard diuretic drugs orally, for comparative analysis. A control group received oral administration of normal saline at a dose of 25 ml/kg. The metabolic cages were used to house the rats in pairs and urine output was measured at intervals of 5 hours and 24 hours. The results showed that higher doses of both extracts substantially raised the volume of urine output. This diuretic effect was observed gradually within 5 hours and sustained throughout the 24 hour study period. Furthermore, the 400 mg/kg dose of ethanolic extract exhibited a diuretic effect comparable to that of frusemide. Analysis of urine samples revealed a significantly elevated Na+, K+ and Cl- with the ethanolic extract of C. bonduc seeds. However, neither dose of the extracts significantly altered the pH nor specific gravity of urine during routine urinalysis. The findings suggest that extracts from C. bonduc seeds possess diuretic properties, supporting their traditional use in managing urinary problems. Further exploration is necessary to pinpoint the active phytoconstituents accountable for these observed effects.