Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene, a medicinal herb belonging to the family Verbenaceae, has been traditionally used for the treatment of urinary disorders, edema, kidney diseases, and inflammatory conditions. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and diuretic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Phyla nod flora in saline-loaded Wistar rats. The whole plant was extracted using a hydroalcoholic solvent, and preliminary phytochemical screening was performed using standard qualitative methods. The screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, and steroids, indicating the presence of biologically active secondary metabolites. Healthy Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups comprising a normal control, a standard group treated with furosemide (10 mg/kg, p.o.), and three test groups receiving the hydroalcoholic extract of Phyla nod flora at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg, respectively. Following oral saline loading (0.9% NaCl, 25 mL/kg), urine samples were collected for six hours and evaluated for urine volume, sodium, potassium, and chloride excretion. Diuretic activity was assessed by determining the diuretic index, Lipschitz value, saluretic index, natriuretic index, and carbonic anhydrase inhibition index. The extract produced a significant and dose-dependent increase in urine output and electrolyte excretion compared with the control group. The highest dose (800 mg/kg) demonstrated a diuretic index of 2.28 and a Lipschitz value of 0.90, indicating activity comparable to the standard drug. The extract also significantly increased the saluretic and natriuretic indices, suggesting enhanced sodium and chloride excretion with relatively lower potassium loss, while a reduction in the carbonic anhydrase inhibition index indicated partial involvement of carbonic anhydrase inhibition in its mechanism of action. The observed diuretic activity is likely attributable to the synergistic effects of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins, and other phytoconstituents present in the extract. In conclusion, the hydroalcoholic extract of Phyla nodiflora possesses significant dose-dependent diuretic activity and provides scientific evidence supporting its traditional use as a natural diuretic. These findings suggest that the plant may serve as a promising herbal therapeutic agent for the management of edema, hypertension, and other disorders associated with fluid retention, although further pharmacological and clinical studies are warranted to establish its safety and therapeutic efficacy.
Dr.A. Ramesh, Dr.P. Rajashekar, Shainaaz
Phyla nodiflora, Hydroalcoholic extract, Diuretic activity, Saluretic index, Natriuretic index, Lipschitz value, Carbonic anhydrase inhibition index.
