To Compare the Effects of Tribulus Terristris with Furosemide on Urine Volume and Electrolytes

Abstract

Background:  Tribulus terristris belongs to Zygo-phayllaceae family, although the plant was recognized as a diuretic and aphrodisiac but, its efficacy as diu-retic has never been evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare its effect on urine volume and electrolytes with furosemide. It is a Com-parative study.

Material and Methods:  The study was conducted in the department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Post Graduate Medical Institute, Lahore. The duration of study was two weeks. Twenty Four rabbits of mixed breed were purchased locally and kept in the animal house of Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore for a week for acclimatization before starting the experi-ment. Twelve hours light and dark cycle was main-tained. They were fed on grass, grain, seasonal vege-tables and water adlibitum. Animals were weighed for calculation of dosage of herb. They were divided into three equal groups randomly. Group Tt was given Tt while Group F was given furosemide, while group C was not given any drug.

Results:  (Tt vs F), the change in 24 hours urine volume was found statistically significant P < 0.05 on day 01 and day 15. Serum Na+, K+ levels were also found statistically significant P < 0.05 throughout the study period.

Conclusion:  The results of our study reveal that Tt has diuretic properties but is less efficacious than furosemide. Keeping in view, the result of our study, we recommend that the use of this herb may be promoted as diuretic agent, it may be helpful in pulmonary oedema and other oedematous conditions.

Key words:  Control = CT. Tribulus terristris = Tt. Furosemide = F. Versus = VS. Sodium = Na+. Potassium = K+.