A study on preliminary phytochemical and diuretic activity of leaves of Portuleca oleracea

The shadedried powder of Portuleca oleracea was subjected to successive extraction using the solvents (Pet. ether, chloroform, alcohol and water) in the increasing order of polarity and also 70% ethanolic extract was prepared. Thus prepared extracts were subjected to the preliminary phytochemical analysis. It was found that the leaves possess alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and proteins. Since the phytochemicals present in the alcoholic, water and hydroalcoholic extract (70% ethanolic extract) were similar, the 70% ethanolic extract was selected for the further study. The diuretic potential of 70% ethanolic extract of the leaves was assessed in albino rats. The Volume of urine, urinary concentration of Na, K and Cl ions were the parameters of the study. Fursemide (100 mg/kg) was used as standard. The 70% ethanolic extract (400 mg/kg) has shown significant increase in the volume of urine, urinary concentration of Na, K and Cl ions. However 200mg/kg dose has not increased the volume of urine and urinary concentration of chloride, but significantly elevated the urinary levels of Na and K ions. From the present study it may be concluded that the 70% ethanolic extract possess polyphenolic compounds, carbohydrates, proteins and possess natriuretic and diuretic activities.