Evaluation of Diuretic and Laxative potentials of Avicennia officinalis Linn (Baen).

This project work was designed to investigate the barks extract of Avicennia officinalis, a mangrove tree from the family Avicenniaceae for the phytochemical natures of its different fraction as well as diuretic and laxative activities. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, proteins, tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and glycosides in the most bioactive ethanolic extract whereas alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins and gums were found in another bioactive fraction (n-hexane). In laxative test a dose dependent significant increment in terms of stool production with soft consistency was found for both the dose level (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) in comparison with standard drug bisacodyl (10 mg/kg) for all the fractions. But interestingly chloroform fraction was found to be the most active among all the fractions. These effects demonstrated the possible laxative activity of barks of Avicennia officinalis. In diuretic test, it was found that only the ethanolic extract and n-hexane fraction significantly increased the urinary output at a dose dependent manner for both the dose level 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg when compared to the standard frusemide (5 mg/kg). The investigation on electrolytes concentration in collected urine samples were found to have more Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl⁻ ions at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg when compared to the control. The conductivity, which is an indirect measure of the ionic content of the urine, was increased in a dose-dependent manner in all the treated groups and changes in pH were alkaline. These effects demonstrated possible diuretic activity of barks of Avicennia officinalis. Both the studies justified the traditional usage of this plant against urinary problems as well as in constipation.

• Research Project