Abstract
Introduction: Commelina benghalensis L., referred to as Benghal dayflower, is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its diuretic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The current study was conducted to evaluate the diuretic activity of C. benghalensis extract in rats.
Methods: Thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly assigned to sis equal groups. C. benghalensis extract was administrated to groups 1 to 3 at different doses, conventional diuretics, amiloride and furosemide, to groups 4 and 5, respectively, and distilled water to rats in group 6. The urine volume of each rat was measured at 6, 12, and 24 hours after drug administration, and the total urine volume was calculated. After euthanasia of the animals, the plasma and urine samples were used to measure diuretic activity and to perform biochemical analyses.
Results: The phytochemical examination of C. benghalensis’ aqueous leaf extract revealed phenolics, anthraquinones, flavonoids, and glycosides. The extract promoted diuretic activity in a dose-dependent manner in both female and male rats, comparable to furosemide. Moreover, the extract preserved potassium excretion while increasing sodium excretion, and neither albumin nor glucose was detected in the urine of any of the animals.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the aqueous leaf extract of C. Benghalensis may serve as a promising diuretic agent, corroborating the historic application of this medicinal herb in managing hypertension.