The present study focused on the establishment of micropropagation protocol for the high value
Pluchea (P.) indica (L.) Less., genotype, an important medicinal plant and evaluation of the diuretic
activity of the leaf extract of the tissue cultured plant. Leaf explants, nodal segments and shoot
tips were cultured in MS medium supplemented with auxin and cytokinin and their
combinations. With the objective of inducing callus giving rise to new adult plants, naphthalene
acetic acid was found to be most effective for (80%) for callus induction. The methanolic extract of
leaves of the micropropagated P. indica was investigated for its diuretic activity in Wistar albino
rats. Urinary excretion parameters were studied for evaluation of diuretic activity using
Frusemide (20 mg/kg, p.o.) as standard. The extract showed significant diuretic activity at the
doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg. p.o. An oral acute toxicity study for the extract was carried out
and the LD50 value was found to be 2,825 mg/kg body weight.