Potassium-sodium ratio for the characterization of medicinal plant extracts with diuretic activity

Abstract

Atomic emission spectrometry was applied for the determination of potassium and sodium concentrations in crude drugs and decoctions. The content of the two elements and potassium–sodium ratios of medicinal plant extracts were measure as a basis for evaluating diuretic activity. The potassium–sodium ratios were higher in the diuretic plant decoctions, than in crude drug decoctions used for different activities. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.