BOERHAVIA DIFFUSAL MAY HAVE PROMISING POTENTIAL TO ALLEVIATE HYPERKALEMIA

Abstract

To study efficacy of Boerhavia diffusa L. extract (Punarnava capsule) to treat hyperkalemia , 30 patients were selected and categorized in 3 groups according to mild ,moderate and severe hyperkalemia status with 10 patients in each group . Punarnava capsule containing 250 mg of Boerhavia diffusa L. extract from Himalaya drugs were prescribed to treat hyperkalemia . Mild patients were treated for total 30 days and serum potassium level were measured for first time after 7 days and second time after 15 days of treatment . Moderate hyperkalemic patients were treated for 45 days( 30 days up to normokalemia and next 15days follow up treatment) and serum potassium level were assessed after 15 days and 30 days of treatment. Severe hyperkalemic patients were provided with Punarnava capsule and treated for 60 days with 2 capsule twice a day for 1st 30 days and last 30 days with 1 capsule twice a day for last 1 month . Serum potassium level were assessed after 30 days and 60 days of treatment . All the patients after scheduled period of treatment able to be achieved normokalemia status after Boerhavia diffusa L. extract capsule administration . Patients were free from symptoms e.g. Vertigo, nausea , tremor and weakness in muscles ,myalgia or paresthesia etc. From the above study it was conclude that Boerhavia diffusa L. extract may be a potential drug to treat hyperkalemia .