Diuretic and Laxative Activity of Cassia Sophera Linn, a Prevalent Western Ghat Species

Summary This study aims to pharmacological evaluation of the diuretic activity and acute toxicity study of different extract of Cassia sophera Linn. in laboratory rats. Water excretion rate, pH, density, conductivity, and content of Na + , K + and Cl⎯, diuretic index, saluretic index were measured in the urine of rats subjected to hypersaline conditions. Methanol extract showed a significant diuretic effect compared with non-treated controls, with notable increases in the rates of water and sodium excretion. Ethanolic extract of Cassia sophera was found to produce significant laxative activity; in a dose dependent manner up to 8h of drug administration. Along with this result cassia sophera was found safe and failed to exhibit any toxicity within rodent model. The results justify the use of Cassia sophera as a diuretic agent in folk medicine of western ghat region.