Evaluation of unripe Mormodica charantia and Mormodica dioica fruit extracts for diuretic and antidiuretic effects in rats

Abstract

The aim of (his study was to evaluate the diuretic and antidiuretic effects of fruit extracts of unripe Mormodica charantia Linn, and Mormodica dioica Roxb. (Family: Cucurbitaceae), using the hydrated rat assay technique and a randomized Latin square design. H i e freeze dried extracts suspended in 0.5% polyvinylpyrrolidone in dose of 30-60 mg/kg or hydi'ochlorothiazide (diuretic, 30 mg/kg) or hydralazine (antidiuretic, 30 nig/kg) wc'"e administered orally to male rats and their urine output was monitored over a 5 h period. The urine samples and both fruit extracts were analysed for sodium and potassium content using flame photometry. Both extracts failed to induce significant diuretic and antidiuretic activities. In contract, ttie reference diuretic and antidiuretic drugs caused a significant increase and reduction respectively in urine output. Urinary sodium excretion also remained unaltered vvidi extract treatments but urinary potassium content increased markedly {M. charantia by 66% and M. dioica by 60%J and significantly. Further, both extracts had a high endogcnou potassium content {M. charanua and M. dioica o5 and 85 mcq/l respec- Uvely). We conclude tliat M. charantia and M. dioica fruits ma\ be useful as a ciieap food supplement to replenish potassium loss m patients on diuretic therapy. ,Mcd Sci Res 27:821-82.^ © 1999 LipphicoU Williams ik Wilkin^