Methanolic extracts of root stocks of Musa paradisiaca L (MEMP) was evaluated for its diuretic activity using modified method of Rao. The animals were grouped into different groups of six animals each. All the animals received priming dose of 0.9% sodium chloride solution (20 ml/kg body weight p.o.). The first group of animals, served as control, received normal saline (20 ml/kg body weight p.o.); the second group received the standard drug furosemide (10 mg/kg body weight p.o.) in 0.9% sodium chloride solution and The other two groups received (MEMP) in a dose of 500 & 250 mg/kg body weight suspended in 0.9% sodium chloride solution (p.o.). The urine volume was recorded for all the groups for 5h. and electrolyte concentration (Na+, K+ and ClÃ?â??Ã?±) were measured. The extracts showed increase in total urine volume and electrolytes excretion (sodium Na+, potassium K+ and chloride ClÃ?â??Ã?±). the metanol extract (500 mg/kg) significantly and markedly increased the urine output (p < 0.01). The pattern of diuresis induced by the methanol extract was almost similar to that produced by the furosemide. These findings suggest the possible traditional use of this plant as diuretics.
