Evaluation of diuretic and laxative activity of methanolic extract of

Prunus spinosa Pers.

Rajesh Mandade1, Pankaj Takalkar, Avijit Choudhuri,A.M. Mahale.
1. S.N.Institute of pharmacy, Pusad, Maharashtra

Abstract:
Prunus spinosa (Linn) belonging to family Rosaceae is a species of Prunus native to Europe,
western Asia, and locally in northwest Africa. It is a deciduous large shrub or small tree growing
to 5 m tall, with blackish bark and dense, stiff, spiny branches. The leaves of this tree are used
widely in the treatment of various ailments like tumors, ulcers, scabies, jaundice and it is used as
diuretic, tonic and expectorant. In this study, the methanolic extract of leaves of Prunus spinosa
Pers was subjected to diuretic and laxative activity. Phytochemical analysis of the methanolic
extract of leaves of Prunus spinosa reveals the presence of reducing sugars, proteins, flavanoids
and saponins. Crude methanolic extract of leaves of Prunus spinosa Pers was investigated for
diuretic and laxative activity in albino rats that was compared with standard drugs Furosemide
(10mg/kg, p.o.) and Agar agar (300mg/kg, p.o.), respectively. The extract was found to produce
significant diuretic as well as laxative activity in dose dependant manner. Fractions of the extract
potentiated the observed activities. The activities may be contributed to the phytoconstituents
present.