Evaluation of the Diuretic Effect of the Chloroform Extract of the Benincasa Hispida Rind (Pericarp) Extract in Guinea-pigs

Background: Pharmacological research on the medicinal properties of phytochemicals has become mandatory to establish the claimed medicinal properties of herbs. Aims: To evaluate the diuretic activity of the Benincasa hispida fruit rind extract (outer thick pericarp) and to compare its activity withthat of the control (normal saline) and the standard diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide in guinea-pigs. Methods and Material: A total of 54 adult, male guinea-pigs were taken, whose weights ranged from 400-450gm. The guinea-pigs were divided into three groups of 18 each (control, standard and test). The control group received 0.9% normal saline/25 ml/kg orally. The standard group received hydrochlorothiazide -2.5 mg/kg body weight orally, along with normal saline, while keeping the volume of the fluid which was administered constant. The test group received the aqueous extract of the rind of Benincasa hispida at the dose of 90 mg/kg orally, along with normal saline-25 ml/kg. Urine was collected for a period of 5 hours by placing the animals in metabolism cages. The urinary volume, pH of the urine and the urinary excretion of sodium, potassium and chloride were measured and compared. Results: The extract produced a significant increase (p<0.001) in the urinary volume. There was a significant increase in the sodium and chloride excretion and a decrease (p<0.001) in the potassium excretion. Conclusion: The Benincasahispida rind (pericarp) extract possesses a significant diuretic activity with a potassium sparing effect.