Evaluation of the Diuretic Activities of 80% Methanol Leaf Extract and Solvent Fractions ofRumex nepalensisin Mice

Background The leaf of Rumex nepalensis has historically been employed to treat urinary retention and as a diuretic. Despite these assertions, there has been very little research addressing the diuretic effect of the leaves of R. nepalensis . Therefore, this study was done to examine the diuretic properties of R. nepalensis leaves. Methods Cold maceration with 80% methanol was used to extract the coarsely powdered leaves of R. nepalensis . The extract was separated using increasing polarity solvents, beginning with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. Mice were split into sections to test the plant’s diuretic properties. The negative control groups were given either distilled water or 2% tween 80; the positive control groups were given furosemide (10 mg/kg); and the test groups were given the 80% methanol extract and solvent fractions orally at dosages of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. The urine volume was determined, and urine analysis was performed on each extract. Results At dosage levels of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, the 80% methanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction, and aqueous fraction all produced substantial diuresis (p<0.001) as compared to the negative control. Similarly, mice given the 80% methanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction, and aqueous fraction demonstrated substantial natriuresis (p<0.001) and kaliuresis (p<0.001) at dosages of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively, in comparison to the negative control. Conclusion The diuretic activity of R. nepalensis was significantly seen in the 80% methanol extract, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions, which corroborated the plant’s traditional use.