Evaluation of diuretic activity of aqueous and alcoholic rhizomes extracts of Costus speciosus Linn in wister Albino rats.

Abstract

The present study was carried with the rhizomes of Costus Speciosus Linn, belonging to family Zingiberaceae. It is an erect perennial herb and has recently gained importance as a commercial source of diosgenin and commonly known as “Push Kara“, “Kashmeera”, “Keu” and Kust. In Pharmacological s creening the effect of aqueous and alcoholic extract s of rhizomes of Costus Speciosus Linn was evaluated in Albino rats of either sex (150 - 200g) for diuretic activity at a dose of 250mg/kg. b.w. the effect was compared with furesemide (100mg/kg. b.w.) as standard drug in diuretic activ ity. Both extracts s ignificantly increased the urine output as well as urinary electrolyte concentration. Pet. Ether was found to be least potent. Thus from study and literature, It can concluded that Costus Speciosus Linn have potent diuretic activity. K EYWORDS: Diuretic activity , Costus Speciosus, Pharmacological screening, Furesemide.