Abstract:
Carissa edulis (forssk) vahl (Apocynaceae) is used traditionally for the treatment of headache, chest complaints, rheumatism, gonorrhoea, syphilis, rabies and as a diuretic. In the present study, the diuretic activity of different extracts of Carissa edulis was investigated. The diuretic activity of the different extracts of Carissa edulis in a dose range of 50-1000 mg/kg was assessed orally in rats using hydrochlorothiazide as a standard drug. The root bark maceration extract showed no effect on the urine output up to a dose of 1000 mg/kg, while the root bark soxhlet extract produced a significant increase (P < 0.05) in urine output at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. The root wood maceration and root wood soxhlet extracts produced a significant increase in urine output at a dose of 50 mg/kg, with a P-value of <0.05. Urinary electrolyte excretion was also affected by the extracts: the root bark soxhlet extract increased urinary excretion of sodium, potassium and chloride ions; root wood maceration extract increased excretion of sodium and potassium, while root wood soxhlet extract increased excretion of potassium ion. These findings support the traditional use of Carissa edulis as a diuretic agent.