Phytopharmacological Investigation of Aerva Lanata Flowers with Special Emphasis on Diuretic Activity

The hydro-alcoholic extract of flowers Aerva lanata was screened for its diuretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in rats. Diuretic activity was carried out as per Lipschitz et al. The 5 and 24 hrs. study of extract showed increase in urine volume and Na,+ K+ and Cl− ions as compared to normal saline. Urinary levels of sodium, potassium (by flame photometry) and chloride (by titrimetry) were estimated. The extract also showed analgesic and antiinflammatory activities. The analgesic activity was studied by tail immersion method and anti-inflammatory activity was studied by carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. The hydro-alcoholic extract of flowers of Aerva lanata upon phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of flavanoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, alkaloids and phytosterols.