The diuretic efficacy of the rhizomes of Nelumbo nucifera was studied on albino rats. The methanol extract of the rhizomes induced significant diuresis in rats. Dose dependent effects were observed in urine volume and electrolyte excretion. There was a significant increase in natriuretic and chloruretic activity but kaliuresis was less than natriuresis. Keywords: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn; rhizomes; methanol extract; diuretic activity; rats; NNRE. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.