Comparative effects of aqueuos extract of Phyllanthus amarus and its fractions on urinary excretion in rat

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of Phyllanthus amarus extracts and its fractions on urinary excretion. Aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus was prepared by decoction of the whole plant and lyophilized. Ethanolic fraction and chloroformic fraction of Phyllanthus amarus were obtained from aqueous extract. Animal were divided into 5 groups of 6 rats and placed individually in metabolic cages. The control group received normal water. A positive control group received furosemide (5 mg/kg, i.p.), used as a reference loop diuretic drug. Three other groups were treated with aqueous extract or ethanolic fraction or chloroformic fraction of Phyllanthus amarus by intraperitoneal injection at the same dose of 40 mg/kg. Urine volumes were collected each 2 h during 8 h period. The diuretic action was obtained by a ratio of urinary excretion of treated group and that of control group. Phyllanthus amarus extracts increased urinary excretion. This effect was time dependant and significant, compared to control group (p < 0.001). During all experiments, ethanolic fraction increased urinary excretion, more than other extracts. After 8h period, it had eliminated about 2.44 ± 0.27 mL, however this value remained less than that of furosemide (3.01 ± 0.17 mL). The urinary excretion induced by furosemide was significantly high (p < 0.05), compared to ethanolic fraction, but the ratio was similar. This study showed that, like furosemide, ethanolic fraction seemed to be the most potent extract for diuresis. Further studies might be carried out to identify the actives molecules and its mechanisms.