Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, ISSN - 0973 - 709X

Users Online : 47164

AbstractMaterial and MethodsResultsDiscussionConclusionReferencesDOI and Others
Article in PDF How to Cite Citation Manager Readers' Comments (0) Audio Visual Article Statistics Link to PUBMED Print this Article Send to a Friend
Advertisers Access Statistics Resources

Dr Mohan Z Mani

"Thank you very much for having published my article in record time.I would like to compliment you and your entire staff for your promptness, courtesy, and willingness to be customer friendly, which is quite unusual.I was given your reference by a colleague in pathology,and was able to directly phone your editorial office for clarifications.I would particularly like to thank the publication managers and the Assistant Editor who were following up my article. I would also like to thank you for adjusting the money I paid initially into payment for my modified article,and refunding the balance.
I wish all success to your journal and look forward to sending you any suitable similar article in future"



Dr Mohan Z Mani,
Professor & Head,
Department of Dermatolgy,
Believers Church Medical College,
Thiruvalla, Kerala
On Sep 2018




Prof. Somashekhar Nimbalkar

"Over the last few years, we have published our research regularly in Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. Having published in more than 20 high impact journals over the last five years including several high impact ones and reviewing articles for even more journals across my fields of interest, we value our published work in JCDR for their high standards in publishing scientific articles. The ease of submission, the rapid reviews in under a month, the high quality of their reviewers and keen attention to the final process of proofs and publication, ensure that there are no mistakes in the final article. We have been asked clarifications on several occasions and have been happy to provide them and it exemplifies the commitment to quality of the team at JCDR."



Prof. Somashekhar Nimbalkar
Head, Department of Pediatrics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad
Chairman, Research Group, Charutar Arogya Mandal, Karamsad
National Joint Coordinator - Advanced IAP NNF NRP Program
Ex-Member, Governing Body, National Neonatology Forum, New Delhi
Ex-President - National Neonatology Forum Gujarat State Chapter
Department of Pediatrics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Anand, Gujarat.
On Sep 2018




Dr. Kalyani R

"Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research is at present a well-known Indian originated scientific journal which started with a humble beginning. I have been associated with this journal since many years. I appreciate the Editor, Dr. Hemant Jain, for his constant effort in bringing up this journal to the present status right from the scratch. The journal is multidisciplinary. It encourages in publishing the scientific articles from postgraduates and also the beginners who start their career. At the same time the journal also caters for the high quality articles from specialty and super-specialty researchers. Hence it provides a platform for the scientist and researchers to publish. The other aspect of it is, the readers get the information regarding the most recent developments in science which can be used for teaching, research, treating patients and to some extent take preventive measures against certain diseases. The journal is contributing immensely to the society at national and international level."



Dr Kalyani R
Professor and Head
Department of Pathology
Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College
Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research , Kolar, Karnataka
On Sep 2018




Dr. Saumya Navit

"As a peer-reviewed journal, the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research provides an opportunity to researchers, scientists and budding professionals to explore the developments in the field of medicine and dentistry and their varied specialities, thus extending our view on biological diversities of living species in relation to medicine.
‘Knowledge is treasure of a wise man.’ The free access of this journal provides an immense scope of learning for the both the old and the young in field of medicine and dentistry as well. The multidisciplinary nature of the journal makes it a better platform to absorb all that is being researched and developed. The publication process is systematic and professional. Online submission, publication and peer reviewing makes it a user-friendly journal.
As an experienced dentist and an academician, I proudly recommend this journal to the dental fraternity as a good quality open access platform for rapid communication of their cutting-edge research progress and discovery.
I wish JCDR a great success and I hope that journal will soar higher with the passing time."



Dr Saumya Navit
Professor and Head
Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Saraswati Dental College
Lucknow
On Sep 2018




Dr. Arunava Biswas

"My sincere attachment with JCDR as an author as well as reviewer is a learning experience . Their systematic approach in publication of article in various categories is really praiseworthy.
Their prompt and timely response to review's query and the manner in which they have set the reviewing process helps in extracting the best possible scientific writings for publication.
It's a honour and pride to be a part of the JCDR team. My very best wishes to JCDR and hope it will sparkle up above the sky as a high indexed journal in near future."



Dr. Arunava Biswas
MD, DM (Clinical Pharmacology)
Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacology
Calcutta National Medical College & Hospital , Kolkata




Dr. C.S. Ramesh Babu
" Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (JCDR) is a multi-specialty medical and dental journal publishing high quality research articles in almost all branches of medicine. The quality of printing of figures and tables is excellent and comparable to any International journal. An added advantage is nominal publication charges and monthly issue of the journal and more chances of an article being accepted for publication. Moreover being a multi-specialty journal an article concerning a particular specialty has a wider reach of readers of other related specialties also. As an author and reviewer for several years I find this Journal most suitable and highly recommend this Journal."
Best regards,
C.S. Ramesh Babu,
Associate Professor of Anatomy,
Muzaffarnagar Medical College,
Muzaffarnagar.
On Aug 2018




Dr. Arundhathi. S
"Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (JCDR) is a reputed peer reviewed journal and is constantly involved in publishing high quality research articles related to medicine. Its been a great pleasure to be associated with this esteemed journal as a reviewer and as an author for a couple of years. The editorial board consists of many dedicated and reputed experts as its members and they are doing an appreciable work in guiding budding researchers. JCDR is doing a commendable job in scientific research by promoting excellent quality research & review articles and case reports & series. The reviewers provide appropriate suggestions that improve the quality of articles. I strongly recommend my fraternity to encourage JCDR by contributing their valuable research work in this widely accepted, user friendly journal. I hope my collaboration with JCDR will continue for a long time".



Dr. Arundhathi. S
MBBS, MD (Pathology),
Sanjay Gandhi institute of trauma and orthopedics,
Bengaluru.
On Aug 2018




Dr. Mamta Gupta,
"It gives me great pleasure to be associated with JCDR, since last 2-3 years. Since then I have authored, co-authored and reviewed about 25 articles in JCDR. I thank JCDR for giving me an opportunity to improve my own skills as an author and a reviewer.
It 's a multispecialty journal, publishing high quality articles. It gives a platform to the authors to publish their research work which can be available for everyone across the globe to read. The best thing about JCDR is that the full articles of all medical specialties are available as pdf/html for reading free of cost or without institutional subscription, which is not there for other journals. For those who have problem in writing manuscript or do statistical work, JCDR comes for their rescue.
The journal has a monthly publication and the articles are published quite fast. In time compared to other journals. The on-line first publication is also a great advantage and facility to review one's own articles before going to print. The response to any query and permission if required, is quite fast; this is quite commendable. I have a very good experience about seeking quick permission for quoting a photograph (Fig.) from a JCDR article for my chapter authored in an E book. I never thought it would be so easy. No hassles.
Reviewing articles is no less a pain staking process and requires in depth perception, knowledge about the topic for review. It requires time and concentration, yet I enjoy doing it. The JCDR website especially for the reviewers is quite user friendly. My suggestions for improving the journal is, more strict review process, so that only high quality articles are published. I find a a good number of articles in Obst. Gynae, hence, a new journal for this specialty titled JCDR-OG can be started. May be a bimonthly or quarterly publication to begin with. Only selected articles should find a place in it.
An yearly reward for the best article authored can also incentivize the authors. Though the process of finding the best article will be not be very easy. I do not know how reviewing process can be improved. If an article is being reviewed by two reviewers, then opinion of one can be communicated to the other or the final opinion of the editor can be communicated to the reviewer if requested for. This will help one’s reviewing skills.
My best wishes to Dr. Hemant Jain and all the editorial staff of JCDR for their untiring efforts to bring out this journal. I strongly recommend medical fraternity to publish their valuable research work in this esteemed journal, JCDR".



Dr. Mamta Gupta
Consultant
(Ex HOD Obs &Gynae, Hindu Rao Hospital and associated NDMC Medical College, Delhi)
Aug 2018




Dr. Rajendra Kumar Ghritlaharey

"I wish to thank Dr. Hemant Jain, Editor-in-Chief Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (JCDR), for asking me to write up few words.
Writing is the representation of language in a textual medium i e; into the words and sentences on paper. Quality medical manuscript writing in particular, demands not only a high-quality research, but also requires accurate and concise communication of findings and conclusions, with adherence to particular journal guidelines. In medical field whether working in teaching, private, or in corporate institution, everyone wants to excel in his / her own field and get recognised by making manuscripts publication.


Authors are the souls of any journal, and deserve much respect. To publish a journal manuscripts are needed from authors. Authors have a great responsibility for producing facts of their work in terms of number and results truthfully and an individual honesty is expected from authors in this regards. Both ways its true "No authors-No manuscripts-No journals" and "No journals–No manuscripts–No authors". Reviewing a manuscript is also a very responsible and important task of any peer-reviewed journal and to be taken seriously. It needs knowledge on the subject, sincerity, honesty and determination. Although the process of reviewing a manuscript is a time consuming task butit is expected to give one's best remarks within the time frame of the journal.
Salient features of the JCDR: It is a biomedical, multidisciplinary (including all medical and dental specialities), e-journal, with wide scope and extensive author support. At the same time, a free text of manuscript is available in HTML and PDF format. There is fast growing authorship and readership with JCDR as this can be judged by the number of articles published in it i e; in Feb 2007 of its first issue, it contained 5 articles only, and now in its recent volume published in April 2011, it contained 67 manuscripts. This e-journal is fulfilling the commitments and objectives sincerely, (as stated by Editor-in-chief in his preface to first edition) i e; to encourage physicians through the internet, especially from the developing countries who witness a spectrum of disease and acquire a wealth of knowledge to publish their experiences to benefit the medical community in patients care. I also feel that many of us have work of substance, newer ideas, adequate clinical materials but poor in medical writing and hesitation to submit the work and need help. JCDR provides authors help in this regards.
Timely publication of journal: Publication of manuscripts and bringing out the issue in time is one of the positive aspects of JCDR and is possible with strong support team in terms of peer reviewers, proof reading, language check, computer operators, etc. This is one of the great reasons for authors to submit their work with JCDR. Another best part of JCDR is "Online first Publications" facilities available for the authors. This facility not only provides the prompt publications of the manuscripts but at the same time also early availability of the manuscripts for the readers.
Indexation and online availability: Indexation transforms the journal in some sense from its local ownership to the worldwide professional community and to the public.JCDR is indexed with Embase & EMbiology, Google Scholar, Index Copernicus, Chemical Abstracts Service, Journal seek Database, Indian Science Abstracts, to name few of them. Manuscriptspublished in JCDR are available on major search engines ie; google, yahoo, msn.
In the era of fast growing newer technologies, and in computer and internet friendly environment the manuscripts preparation, submission, review, revision, etc and all can be done and checked with a click from all corer of the world, at any time. Of course there is always a scope for improvement in every field and none is perfect. To progress, one needs to identify the areas of one's weakness and to strengthen them.
It is well said that "happy beginning is half done" and it fits perfectly with JCDR. It has grown considerably and I feel it has already grown up from its infancy to adolescence, achieving the status of standard online e-journal form Indian continent since its inception in Feb 2007. This had been made possible due to the efforts and the hard work put in it. The way the JCDR is improving with every new volume, with good quality original manuscripts, makes it a quality journal for readers. I must thank and congratulate Dr Hemant Jain, Editor-in-Chief JCDR and his team for their sincere efforts, dedication, and determination for making JCDR a fast growing journal.
Every one of us: authors, reviewers, editors, and publisher are responsible for enhancing the stature of the journal. I wish for a great success for JCDR."



Thanking you
With sincere regards
Dr. Rajendra Kumar Ghritlaharey, M.S., M. Ch., FAIS
Associate Professor,
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Gandhi Medical College & Associated
Kamla Nehru & Hamidia Hospitals Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462 001 (India)
E-mail: drrajendrak1@rediffmail.com
On May 11,2011




Dr. Shankar P.R.

"On looking back through my Gmail archives after being requested by the journal to write a short editorial about my experiences of publishing with the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (JCDR), I came across an e-mail from Dr. Hemant Jain, Editor, in March 2007, which introduced the new electronic journal. The main features of the journal which were outlined in the e-mail were extensive author support, cash rewards, the peer review process, and other salient features of the journal.
Over a span of over four years, we (I and my colleagues) have published around 25 articles in the journal. In this editorial, I plan to briefly discuss my experiences of publishing with JCDR and the strengths of the journal and to finally address the areas for improvement.
My experiences of publishing with JCDR: Overall, my experiences of publishing withJCDR have been positive. The best point about the journal is that it responds to queries from the author. This may seem to be simple and not too much to ask for, but unfortunately, many journals in the subcontinent and from many developing countries do not respond or they respond with a long delay to the queries from the authors 1. The reasons could be many, including lack of optimal secretarial and other support. Another problem with many journals is the slowness of the review process. Editorial processing and peer review can take anywhere between a year to two years with some journals. Also, some journals do not keep the contributors informed about the progress of the review process. Due to the long review process, the articles can lose their relevance and topicality. A major benefit with JCDR is the timeliness and promptness of its response. In Dr Jain's e-mail which was sent to me in 2007, before the introduction of the Pre-publishing system, he had stated that he had received my submission and that he would get back to me within seven days and he did!
Most of the manuscripts are published within 3 to 4 months of their submission if they are found to be suitable after the review process. JCDR is published bimonthly and the accepted articles were usually published in the next issue. Recently, due to the increased volume of the submissions, the review process has become slower and it ?? Section can take from 4 to 6 months for the articles to be reviewed. The journal has an extensive author support system and it has recently introduced a paid expedited review process. The journal also mentions the average time for processing the manuscript under different submission systems - regular submission and expedited review.
Strengths of the journal: The journal has an online first facility in which the accepted manuscripts may be published on the website before being included in a regular issue of the journal. This cuts down the time between their acceptance and the publication. The journal is indexed in many databases, though not in PubMed. The editorial board should now take steps to index the journal in PubMed. The journal has a system of notifying readers through e-mail when a new issue is released. Also, the articles are available in both the HTML and the PDF formats. I especially like the new and colorful page format of the journal. Also, the access statistics of the articles are available. The prepublication and the manuscript tracking system are also helpful for the authors.
Areas for improvement: In certain cases, I felt that the peer review process of the manuscripts was not up to international standards and that it should be strengthened. Also, the number of manuscripts in an issue is high and it may be difficult for readers to go through all of them. The journal can consider tightening of the peer review process and increasing the quality standards for the acceptance of the manuscripts. I faced occasional problems with the online manuscript submission (Pre-publishing) system, which have to be addressed.
Overall, the publishing process with JCDR has been smooth, quick and relatively hassle free and I can recommend other authors to consider the journal as an outlet for their work."



Dr. P. Ravi Shankar
KIST Medical College, P.O. Box 14142, Kathmandu, Nepal.
E-mail: ravi.dr.shankar@gmail.com
On April 2011
Anuradha

Dear team JCDR, I would like to thank you for the very professional and polite service provided by everyone at JCDR. While i have been in the field of writing and editing for sometime, this has been my first attempt in publishing a scientific paper.Thank you for hand-holding me through the process.


Dr. Anuradha
E-mail: anuradha2nittur@gmail.com
On Jan 2020

Important Notice

Original article / research
Year : 2011 | Month : June | Volume : 5 | Issue : 3 | Page : 578 - 582 Full Version

Evaluation of the diuretic effect of the Chloroform extract of the Benincasa Hispida Rind (Pericarp) extract in Guinea-pigs


Published: June 1, 2011 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2011/.1368
T. JAYASREE, K KIRAN KISHORE ,M.VINAY, P VASAVI, N CHANDRASHEKHAR, V S MANOHAR, ROHIT DIXIT

Corresponding Author. K Kiran Kishore (MD- Asst Prof) Department of Pharmacology, Mamata Medical College, Khammam- 507002, Andhra Pradesh, India. M.Vinay (MD- Asst Prof) Department of Pharmacology, Mamata Medical College, Khammam- 507002, Andhra Pradesh, India. P Vasavi (MD- Asst Prof) Department of Pharmacology, Mamata Medical College, Khammam- 507002, Andhra Pradesh, India.Dr N Chandrasekhar (MBBS- Post graduate) Department of Pharmacology, Mamata Medical College, Khammam- 507002, Andhra Pradesh, India. V S Manohar (MBBS- Post graduate) Department of Pharmacology, Mamata Medical College, Khammam- 507002, Andhra Pradesh, India. Rohit Dixit (MBBS- Post graduate) Department of Pharmacology, Mamata Medical College, Khammam- 507002, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Correspondence Address :
T. Jayasree M.D, Professor & Head, Department of
Pharmacology, Mamata Medical College,
Khammam- 507002, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Phone No: +919848127116; E-mail: drtjayasreemd@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Pharmacological research on the medicinal properties of phytochemicals has become mandatory to establish the claimed medicinal properties of herbs.

Aims: To evaluate the diuretic activity of the Benincasa hispida fruit rind extract (outer thick pericarp) and to compare its activity withthat of the control (normal saline) and the standard diuretic,hydrochlorothiazide in guinea-pigs.

Methods and Material: A total of 54 adult, male guinea-pigs were taken, whose weights ranged from 400-450gm. The guinea-pigs were divided into three groups of 18 each (control, standard and test). The control group received 0.9% normal saline /25ml/kg orally. The standard group received hydrochlorothiazide -2.5mg/ kg body weight orally, along with normal saline, while keepingthe volume of the fluid which was administered constant. The test group received the aqueous extract of the rind of Benincasa hispida at the dose of 90mg/kg orally, along with normal saline- 25ml/kg. Urine was collected for a period of 5 hours by placing the animals in metabolism cages. The urinary volume, pH of the urine and the urinary excretion of sodium, potassium and chloride were measured and compared.

Results: The extract produced a significant increase (p<0.001) in the urinary volume. There was a significant increase in the sodium and chloride excretion and a decrease (p<0.001) in the potassium excretion.

Conclusion: The Benincasahispida rind (pericarp) extract possesses a significant diuretic activity with a potassium sparing effect.

Keywords

Benincasa Hispida, diuretic activity, urine volume

Pharmacological research on the medicinal poperties of phytochemicals has become mandatory, to establish the claimed medicinal properties of herbs. The fruits of this plant are traditionally used as a laxative, diuretic, tonic, aphrodisiac andcardiotonic for urinary calculi, blood diseases, insanity, epilepsy, and also in cases of jaundice, dyspepsia, fever, and menstrual disorders (1). Various in vitro as well as in vivo studies have shown that the Benincasacerifera extract has an antioxidant activity on tissues like the liver and the brain, but not a single study was performed on the kidney tissue (2). In the present study, the aqueous extract of the Benincasahispida rind (pericarp) was evaluated for its diuretic property, which has not been evaluated so far.

The Plant
The fruit of Benincasa hispida (Thunb) Cogn, which is commonly called as ash guard, amember of the Cucurbitacae family, is employed as a main ingredient in kusmandalehyam, in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is a herbaceous, climbing plant, which needs artificial support. It is extensively cultivated in India. In the traditional system of medicine, all parts of benincasacerefera are used medicinally. Some scientific studies have been carried out, which have revealed its anti-inflammatory activity (3), diuretic activity (4) and its hypoglycaemic (5), anti alzheimer’s (6), antidiarrheal (7), antioxidant (8), antiulcer [8-9], anti-obesity (10), antihistaminic (11) and anti cancer (12) activities and it is used in urinary disease. The major constituents of this fruit are triterpenoids, flavanoids, glycosides, saccharides, carotenes, vitamins, β sitosterin and uronic acid [13-15]. The fruit of Benincasa, as a whole, exerts a diuretic activity, which has been studied extensively, but that of therind (pericarp) was not confirmed experimentally. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the diuretic activity of its rind (pericarp) in guinea pigs.

Collection of the Plant
The fruit of Benincasa hispida was obtained from a local vegetable market in Khammam. The identification and the authentification of this plant were done in the Department of Botany, Government Degree College, Khammam.

Extraction Procedure
The preparation of the extract of the rind of Benincasa hispida was done in the Department of Pharmacology, Mamata Medical College, Khammam. The freshly peeled rind (pericarp) was cut into small pieces and driedin the shade. The dried rind was then finely powdered. The powdered rind was extracted by using chloroform water by the process of simple maceration (16).

Material and Methods

Animals
Adult male guinea pigs who were aged 3-4 months and weighing between 800-1000 gms, were used in the study and they were obtained from the Central Animal House, Mamata Medical College, Khammam. The protocol was approved by the IAEC, MMC, Khammam. These animals were used for the study of the diuretic activity of the chloroform extract of the rind of Benincasa hispida. The animals were stabilized for 1 week; they were maintained understandard conditions at room temperature, 60 ± 5% relative humidity and 12 hr light and dark cycles. They were given a standard pellet diet and water ad-libitum. The animals were given free access to food and water.

Ethics
The experiment complied with the guidelines for the animal experimentation of our laboratory and was approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC).

Drugs Used
Tab. Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg, manufactured by Sun Pharmaceuticals was used in the study.

Measurement of Urinary Volume and Electrolytes
The collection of urine was done by placing the animals in metabolism cages. The collected urine was estimated for volume. The pH was measured by using a digital pH meter. The digital pH meter was calibrated by using standard buffer solutions at pH = 4 and 7. The electrodes were washed with a jet of distilled water and wiped with soft tissue paper. Then, the electrodes were dipped in the beaker which contained the urine sample. The pH reading was noted for the control, standard (hydrochlorthiazide) and different doses of test animals. The estimation of the urinary electrolytes was done by usinga digital spectrophotometer (Mfd by Electronics India, Model 301) by using an electrolyte kit which was manufactured by M/S Excel Diagnostics, Pvt.Ltd, Hyderabad.

Toxicity Evaluation in Albino Rats
The chloroform extract was tested for its acute toxicity in albino rats. To determine the acute toxicity, the extract was administered orally in an ascending order and in widely spaced doses i.e. 0.25g/ kg, 0.5g/kg, 0.75g/kg and 1g/kg to different groups of albino rats (2 albino rats were used in each group; the control albino rats received normal saline). The animals were observed periodically for 48 hours. The parameters which were observed were hyperactivity, sedation, loss of righting reflex, respiratory rate and convulsions. There were no toxic effects and mortality. The optimization of the effective dose was calculated by taking 1/10th of the maximum dose, i.e 100mg/kg and the other 2 doses which were taken were half and double of the 1/10th dose, i.e 50mg/kg and 200mg/kg respectively. These doses were then compared with the control group which received normal saline –25ml/kg body weight and with the standard group which received hydrochlorothiazide –2.5mg/kg body weight for the evaluation of the diuretic activity.

The test drug caused variable diuresis in the dose range of 25 to 200 mg/kg body weight. When it was compared to the control, an increase in the urinary volume to 7.133 ± 0.73ml/kg and 7.63 ± 0.77ml/kg with 25mg/kg and 50mg/kg respectively was found. There was an increase in the urinary volume to 10.93 ± 1.40ml/kg with 100 mg/kg and 10.97 ± 2.73ml/kg with 200mg/kg. The urinary volume of the control group was 6.23 ± 0.56, whereas that of the standard group was 13.37 ± 0.95, which was higher as compared to the control and to different doses of the text drug. The sodium excretion values with 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 200mg/kg were 137.45 ± 6.77, 138.33 ± 65 and 40.97 ± 2.73. The chloride excretion values were 132.5 ± 3.905, 135.71 ± 2.94 and 135.25 ± 5.41, which was closer to the values of the control group.

The sodium and chloride excretion with 100mg/kg were 146 ± 7.33 and 148.65 ± 5.48. There was a uniform decrease in the potassium excretion with 25mg/kg, 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg, whose values were 0.01 ± 0.15, 2.16 ± 0.47, 2.64 ± 0.47, 2.44 ± 0.09. With the standard group, the sodium, potassium and chloride excretion values were 168.4 ± 3.39, 16 ± 0.62 and 147.46 ± 5.79, as shown in (Table/Fig 1). Further experiments were conducted by using the optimal dose of the drug-90mg/kg, as extrapolated according to the body surface area in guinea pigs.

Experimental Design
The diuretic activity in guinea pigs was studied by the modified Lipschitz test (17). Adult, male guinea pigs who weighed between 400-450 gms were used. The room temperature was maintained between 27-29oC. Food was restricted 18hours prior to the experiment, but free access to water was allowed. All the animals were hydrated with 25ml/kg of 0.9% normal saline orally. The animals were divided into 3 groups with 18 guinea pigs in each group. In all the animals, the urinary bladder was emptied before the administration of the drug. The first group of guinea pigs was kept as the control group, which was given only 0.9% normal saline/ 25ml/kg of body weight orally. The animals were then transferred to the metabolism cages which housed 3 animals per cage and the time was noted.

The second group of 18 guinea pigs was fed with normal saline- 25ml/kg along with standard hydrochlorothiazide –2.5mg/kg orally and they were then transferred to the metabolism cages which housed 3 animals per cage and the time was noted.

The third group of 18 guinea pigs wastaken as the test group and the rind extract of Benincasa hispida which was obtained in liquid form, was given orally, along with normal saline at the dose of 90mg/ kg, by keeping the volume which was administered, constant. The animals were subsequently transferred to the metabolism cages which housed 3 animals per cage. The urine was collected in beakers for a period of 5 hours in all three groups. The guinea pigs were not given food or water during the experiment. At the end of the 5 hours, the bladder of each guinea pig was emptied by pullingthe tail at the base, to collect the residual urine. The urinary volume and the urinary pH were noted and samples were taken for the estimation of the urinary electrolytes viz sodium, potassium and chloride, by using a spectrophotometer.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
All the values were expressed as Mean ± SD. The differences were compared by using the One Way Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Dunnet’s t test. P values of <0.05 were considered to be significant.

Results

As shown in (Table/Fig 2) and (Table/Fig 3).
Urinary Volume
The urinary volume (UV) during the period of the 5hr collection in the 18 control animals was 13.03 ± 1.02ml/kg. In the standard groupwhich was treated with 2.5 mg/kg of hydrochlorothiazide, there was a significant increase in the UV i.e. 28.47± 1.31(P < 0.001). In the test group, though the UV was significantly greater than that in the control group, it was lesser than the UV in the standard group. The UV for the test group was found to be 24.83± 2.64 ml/ kg (P < 0.001).

Urinary Ph
The urinary pH of thecontrol group was 7.2 ± 0.12 and that of the group which was hydrochlorothiazide, was7.12 ± 0.12, whereas that of the group which was given the 90mg/kg extract, was 7.21 ±0.21. The changes in the pH were not significant when they were compared with that of the control and the standard.

Urinary Sodium
Urinary Sodium (Na+) during the period of the 5hr collection in the control animals was 79.54±4.77 meq/kg. In the standard groupwhich was treated with 2.5 mg/kg of hydrochlorothiazide, there was a significant increase in the Na+ excretion i.e. 1I44.51 ± 4.47meq/kg (P<0.001) and in the test group, the Na+ excretion was significantly greater than that of the control group, but lesser than that of the standard group i.e. 129.99 ± 3’33meq/kg (P<0.001).

Urinary Potassium
Urinary potassium excretion (K+) during the period of the 5hr collection in the control animals was found to be 18.72 ±1.66meq/ kg. In the standard group which received 2.5 mg/kg of hydrochlorothiazide, there was a significant increase in the K+ excretion i.e. 25.50± 2.85 meq/kg (P<0.001), but there was a significant decrease in the K+ excretion in the test group i.e. 14.51 ± 0.04meq/ kg (P<0.001).

Urinary Chloride
Urinary Chloride (Cl–) during the period of the 5hr collection in the control animals was 41.31 ± 2.56meq/kg. In the standard group which were treated with 2.5 mg/kg of hydrochlorothiazide, there was a significant increase in the Cl– excretion i.e. 92.47± 3’65meq/kg (P<0.001) and in the test group, the Cl– excretion was significantly greater than that of the control group but lesser than that of the standard group i.e. 84.05 ± 2.89 meq/kg (P<0.001).

Discussion

Herbs and botanicals offer a natural safeguard against diseases and are a substantial treatment for certain diseases.Diuretics have proved to be extremely valuable in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension and also in enhancing the effect of other antihypertensive agents. Diuretics relieve pulmonary congestion and peripheral oedema. They are used to induce forced diuresis in cases of barbiturate poisoning and also in the prevention of recurrent renal calculi (18). A number of herbs cause diuresis, but most promising ones at the present time are Foeniculumvulgare, Fraximus excelsior, Hibiscus sabdariffa and Spegulariapurpurea (19). They decrease the plasma volume and subsequently the venous return to the heart. This decreases the cardiac work load, the oxygen demand and the plasma volume, thus lowering the blood pressure and they are the first line of drugs in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension along with sodium restriction in the diet. It has beendocumented that the juice of Ash gourd i.e. Benincasa hispida was used in traditional medicine to decrease hypertension and for the prevention of recurrent renal calculi.According to a previous ethnopharmacological survey which was carried out on Benincasa cerifera, it was reported to exert a renoprotective activity, probably by its radical scavenging activity. The pretreatment with Benincasa cerifera prevented renal ischaemia/reperfusion-induced lipid peroxidation and protected the kidneys from severe increase in the ROS products,the depletion of superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione in rats which were exposed to the renal I/R (20).The effect of Benincasa hispida on the renal excretory function was studied in adult, male guinea pigs by the method which was described by Klatt et al (21). Most of the experimental evaluations of diuretics were done on rats and dogs (22). We used guinea pigs in our study, as there were only few studies on the evaluation of the diuretic action in vivo in guinea pigs.

Benincasa hispida belongs to the family, Cucurbitacae and it is also known as wax gourd, Chinese winter melon and fuzzy melon (English). Because of the diversity in the languages and the dialects, this plant has different vernacular names like Pethakaddu (Hindi), Boodidagummadikaya (Telugu), Boodagumbala (Kannada), Chalkumra (Bengali) and Kusmanda (Sanskrit). Benincasa hispidais found throughout Asia in the tropical regions and is used as both food and medicine. It is cultivated throughout the plains of India and on hills up to 4000ft high. Its seeds, fruits and fruit juice are used. The constituents of the fruit are moisture: 96%, protein: 0.4%, Fat: 0.1%, carbohydrates: 63.2%, minerals: 0.3% andvitamin B: 211U/100g.

Acute toxicity studies which have been conducted on albino rats did not show any change in the behavioural pattern and no mortality was observed at the given doses.

It was observed that in albino rats, the maximum diuretic response was obtained at 100mg/kg (oral dose). An increase of dose to 200mg/kg did not produce any further diuretic effect, as shown in (Table/Fig 1). Hence, the dose of 100mg/kg has been considered as an effective dose and further experimentation was done by usingthe dose of 90mg/kg, which was extrapolated according to the body surface area inguinea pigs. There was an increase of 118% (P<0.001) and 90% (P<0.001) in the urinary volume in the standard and the test groups respectively. The sodium excretion was increased by 81% (P<0.001) and 63% (P<0.001) in the standard and the test groups respectively. There was a percentage increase of 36% (P<0.001) and a decrease of 23% (P<0.001) in the urinary Potassium excretion in the standard and the test groups respectively. There was a percentage increase of 123% (P<0.001) and 103% (P<0.001) in the urinary chloride excretion in the standard and the test groups respectively. All the values which have been mentioned above are in comparison withthe controls.

Similar studies which were done with ethanol and an aqueous extract of Benincasa cerifera showed almost the same results (23), except that there was adecrease in potassium loss in our study. Those studies showed a significant increase in the Na+ and K+ excretion as compared to that in thecontrol group. So, in our study, 90mg/kg of Benincasa hispida rind extract showed a significant loss of sodium and chloride and a significant decrease in potassium loss. This may be due to the use of a large number of animals i.e. 54 animals in three groups, i.e.18 in each group. The K+ sparing effect of this extract may be due to other ingredients which are present only in the rind (pericarp) of the fruit. The mechanism of this effect has been assumed to be due to the aldosterone antagonist action, as well as the Na channel blockade in the collecting ducts, which has to be further elucidated.

The role of Benincasa hispida as a diuretic has been conformed in our study. The active principles which are responsible for the diuretic effectof the extracts of this plant have not yet been elucidated, but a preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of polar compounds such as flavonoids and steroids. It may be suggested that these substances may be responsible, at least in part, for the observed diuretic activity and that they may act individually or synergistically. Previous studies have also demonstrated that there are several compounds which could be responsible for the diuretic effect of this plant, such as flavonoids, saponins or organic acids (24). The overall mechanism seems to be the inhibition of the tubular reabsorption of water and anions (25) and this may be due to the stimulation of the regional blood flow in the kidney. The increased loss of Na+ and water is the basis for its use as a antihypertensive.

Conclusion

The test drug produced a significant increase in the excretion of the 3 parameters (urinary volume, urinary Na+ and urinary Cl–) and a significant decrease in urinary K+ excretion. The diuretic effect which was produced by the test drug was less ascompared to thatwhich was produced by hydrochlorothiazide. From this study, it may be concluded that the aqueous extract of Benincasa hispida produces mild diuresis and that it has a K+ sparing action, which supports the traditional use of the Benincasa fruit extract in the treatment of different oedemas and also as a antihypertensive which produces diuresis.

However, further studies are needed to elucidateits exact mechanism of action.

References

1.
Asolkar LV, Kakker KK, Chahre OJ. Glossary of Indian medicinal plants, National Institute of Science and Communication, New Delhi, 2000: 119
2.
Anil Kumar D, Ramu P. Effect of the methanolic extract of Benincasa hispida against histamine and acetylcholine induced bronchospasm in guniea pigs. Indian J Pharmacol 2002; 34: 365-6.
3.
Gover JK, Rathiss. Anti-inflammatory activity of the fresh juice of Benincasahispida. Indian J Pharmacol 1994; 26: 66.
4.
Dong MY, Lumz, Yin QH, Feng WM, XuJX,Xu WM. Study of Benincasa hispida contents effective for protection of kidney. Jiangsu J Agricultural Sciences 1995;1(3):46-55.
5.
G.R. Battu, S.N. Mamidipalli, R. Parimi, R.K.Viriyala, R.P.Patchula, L.R. Mood. Hypoglycemic and Anti-hyperglycemic Effect of the Alcoholic Extract of Benincasa hispida in Normal and in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 2007; 3(10): 101-105.
6.
Chandan Roy, T.K. Ghosh, Debjani Guha. Dose Dependent activity of Benincasahispida on Colchicine Induced Experimental Rat Model of Alzheimer’s Disease, International Journal of Pharmacology, 2008; 4(4): 237-244.
7.
Vrushabendra Swamy Bhyrapur Mathad, Sridhar Chandanam, Sreenivasa Rao Thirumala Setty, Dhanapal Ramaiyan, Balamuralidhar Veeranna, Ashoka Babu Vechham Lakshminarayana Settry. Antidiarrheal Evaluation of Benincasahispida (Thunb) Cogn Fruit Extracts, Iranian Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2005; 4(1): 24-27, 2005
8.
Beena V. Shetty, AlbinaArjuman, AparnaJorapur, RajashreeSamanth, Sudhir Kumar Yadav, Valliammai N, Anna DeepthyTharian, Sudha K, Gayathri M. Rao. Effect of the extract of Benincasa hispida on oxidative stress in rats with indomethacin induced gastric ulcers. Indian Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology, 2008; 52 (2): 178–182.
9.
Manish A. Rachchh, Sunita M. Jain. Gastroprotective effect of the Benincasa hispida fruit extract. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 2008; 40(6): 271-275.
10.
A. Kumar, R. Vimalavathini. Possible anorectic effect of the methanol extract of Benincasa hispida (Thunb). Cogn, fruit. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 2004; 36 (6): 348-350.
11.
D. Anil Kumar, P. Ramu. Effect of the methanolic extract of Benincasahispida against histamine and acetylcholine induced bronchospasm in guinea Pigs. Indian Journal of Pharmacology 2002; 34: 365-366
12.
Kumar A, Rama II. Antiulcer properties of the methanolic extract of Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. Indian Drugs 2002; 39: 9-13.
13.
Nadkarni AK In: Indian Materia Medica. PapularPrakashan. Bombay, India 1976, p. 185-6.
14.
Wollen weber E, Faure R, Gaydou EM. A rare triterpene as a major constituent of the “wax” on the fruits of Benincasa hispida. Indian drugs 1991; 28(10): 458-460.
15.
Yashizumi S, Murakam T, Kadoya M, Matsuda H, Yamahara J, Yoshikava M. Histamine release inhibitors from was guard the fruits of Benincasa hispida (thunb). Yakugaku Zassi. 1998; 118(5): 188-192.
16.
R. M. Mehta; Pharmaceutics I; Extraction Processes; Maceration; 2002; page 149.
17.
H. Gerhard Vogel. Diuretic and saluretic activity. Drug discovery and evaluation Pharmacological assay, 2nd edition. Germany, Springer- Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 2002;323.
18.
R.S Satoskar, S.D Bhandarkar, NirmalaRege. Pharmacotherapy of hypertension. Pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics, revised 21st edition. New Delhi, Popular Prakashan, 2009; 420.
19.
CI Wright, L. Van buren et al. Herbal medicines as diuretics- A review of the scientific evidence, Journal of Ethnopharmacology 2007;114(1):1-31.
20.
Bhalodia Y, Kanzariya N, Patel R, Patel N, Vaghasiya J, Jivani N, Raval H. Renoprotective activity of Benincasa cerifera fruit extract on ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal damage in rat. Iran J Kidney Dis. 2009 Apr; 3(2);80-5.
21.
Klattp, Muschaweck, Method of collecting urine and comparative investigation of Quantities excreted by cats and dogs after furosemide. Am J. Vet Res 1997; 36:919-23
22.
Tanaka S, Kanda A, Ashida SI. Uricosuric and diuretic actitives of Dr-3438 in dogs and rabbits. Japan J pharmacol 1990; 54:307-14
23.
Ramadas. V. Pandhare, Effect of Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts of Benincasa cerifera on Diuresis and Urinary Electrolytes excretion in rats. Drug Invention Today, 2010;2(6):308-10.
24.
Maghrani M, Zeggwagh N, Haloui M, Eddouks M. Acute diuretic effect of aqueous extract of Retamaraetam in normal rats. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2005;99:31-35.
25.
Pantoja CV, chiang LCH, Norris BC, Concha JB. Diuretic, natriuretic and hypotensive effects produced by Allium sativum (garlic) in anaesthetized dogs. J. Ethnopharmacol 1993;31:325-331.

DOI and Others

JCDR/2011/1368

JCDR is now Monthly and more widely Indexed .
  • Emerging Sources Citation Index (Web of Science, thomsonreuters)
  • Index Copernicus ICV 2017: 134.54
  • Academic Search Complete Database
  • Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)
  • Embase
  • EBSCOhost
  • Google Scholar
  • HINARI Access to Research in Health Programme
  • Indian Science Abstracts (ISA)
  • Journal seek Database
  • Google
  • Popline (reproductive health literature)
  • www.omnimedicalsearch.com