Diuretic activity of coconut husk <i style="">Mashi</i>—an Ayurvedic formulation

471-473Coconut husk Mashi is an Ayurvedic formulation prepared by Anterdhum Padhati (APM) and Bahirdhum Padhati (BPM). Though, Ayurvedic practitioners use coconut husk Mashi for diuretic activity, no systematic studies are reported with regard to the verification of the traditional medicinal claims of Mashi. The present study was undertaken to investigate and rationalize the diuretic activity of APM and BPM in experimental rats. The diuretic properties of APM and BPM were evaluated by determination of urine volume, electrolyte concentration and diuretic potency in male albino rats. Different concentrations of Mashi (250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg) were orally administered to hydrated rats and their urine output was immediately measured after 5hrs of treatment. Frusemide (10 mg/kg) was used as reference drug while normal saline (0.9%) solution was used as control. BPM exhibited dose dependent diuretic property and APM failed to show activity. The onset of diuretic action was extremely prompt (within 1hr) and lasted throughout the study period (up to 5 hrs). BPM at 500 mg/kg displayed highest activity with potency value of 0.92 and same dose of APM gave a value of 0.24. BPM caused mark increased in Na+, K+ and Cl- level. The results suggest that BPM possess significant diuretic activity

Plants used by the tribes of Northwest Maharashtra for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders

321-325An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out to identify the wild plants used by the Bhilla, Thakar, Warli and Kokna tribes of Northwestern region of Maharashtra for the treatment of various ailments. During field visits to tribal settlements, medicine men, Mukhia or Mhorkya, Vaidus, etc. were contacted, interviewed and information on 33 plant species used by these tribes for the treatment of common gastrointestinal disorders was collected. The survey revealed that the plant parts of Aloe barbadensis, Ceropegia hirsuta, Cicer arietinum and Anisochilus carnosus are used for stomachache; Citrus aurantiifolia is used for diarrhoea and dysentery and Zingiber officinale rhizome is used for acidity and ulcer

Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Gloriosa superba Linn (Langli) Roots on Reproductive System and Cardiovascular Parameters in Female Rats

Purpose: Gloriosa superba Linn (liliaceae) has been used to induce labor in the traditional Indian system of medicine. The objective of the study was to evaluate the activity of the aqueous extract of Gloriosa superba (AL) root on the female reproductive system of rat. Methods: The aqueous extract of Gloriosa superba was prepared by simple maceration. Phytochemical analysis as well as toxicity (in mice) and antifertility studies, uterotrophic assay, duciduoma model, uterotonic assessment in-vitro and in-vivo of aqueous extract was carried out in rats. Oxytocin was used as the uterotonic reference standard. The effect of the extract on cardiovascular parameters was also evaluated. Results: Phytochemical analysis shows presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and glycosides in the aqueous extract of Gloriosa superba. The extract yield was 6 % and was found to be was safe at a dose as high as 550 mg/kg body weight. Antifertility study showed early abortificient activity. No increase in uterus and ducidual weight was observed. Both the reference (oxytocin) and the extract produced dose-dependent contractions but the extract had no effect on heart parameters and blood pressure. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Gloriosa superba showed oxytocic activity and early abortifacient activity which may be due to the presence of alkaloids such as colchicine. This provides justification for its use in traditional medicine