: Portulaca oleracea Linn. (Family: Portulaceae) is a creeping annual herb, native of tropical and subtropical region. It has been used since long time as domestic remedy by ancient Unani and Ayurvedic physicians. Petroleum ether extract of its whole plant collected by soxhlet apparatus were studied for diuretic activity in Albino rats. It was compared with placebo and standard control groups treated with carboxylmethyl cellulose (CMC) and furosemide respectively. Three parameters were taken to assess the diuretic activity i.e. (1) Urine output (2) Reduction in body weight and (3) Electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride) concentration in urine excreted. The animals of test group, which received 90 mg/kg extract of Khurfa whole plant showed urine output equal to the animals of standard group. It was also observed that by increasing the dose of test drug, urine excretion was increased. Weight reductions were noticed in all groups and were related to volume of urine output. The group of animals that passed more urine lost more body weight. Urine ion concentration of sodium and potassium were lowest in standard group whereas in test groups as the dose were increased concentration of sodium and potassium excretion also increased in urine.
Key words: Portulaca oleracea Linn., Petroleum ether extract, Diuretic, Furosemide, Metabolic cage, Flame photometer.
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