Abstract

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) and purslane (Portulaca oleracea) are used to increase urination. This preclinical study aims to prove the diuretic effect of a combination of watercress and purslane extracts. Simplisia of watercress and purslane herbs mixed with various combinations A (1:9), B (1:3) and C (1:1), then extracted in 50% ethanol. The animals were divided into five groups: control, furosemide 3.6 mg/kgBW, A 38 mg/kgBW, B 28 mg/kgBW, and C 10 mg/kgBW. Diuretic assay was carried out using the modified Lipschitz method with the parameters observed were cumulative urine volume for 6 and 24 hours, and potassium levels in 24-hour urine. The results showed the onset of diuretic effect of furosemide at 60 minutes, A at 150 minutes, B at 240 minutes and C at 90 minutes. Percent effectiveness of the diuretic in the furosemide was 718%, A 212%, B 231%, and C 368% when compared to the controls. All combinations of extracts increased sodium and potassium secretion when compared to controls, but this effect was not as strong as furosemide. All combinations of watercress and purslane herbs have a diuretic effect but weakly saluretic when compared to furosemide and the combination that gives the best effect is combination C.

Keywords: Combination, Diuretic, Nasturtium officinale, purslane, Portulaca oleracea, Watercress.