Diuretic activity of Satureja montana subsp. Montana extracts and oil in rats

Three preparations of Satureja montana subsp. montana leaves were tested for diuretic activity in rats: an infusion, a water-alcohol extract and essential oil. In 1-day experiments, the cumulative volume of urine was collected during the first 5 h after oral administration of 5 mL/100 g body weight of plant preparation. It was established that all the preparations tested initially caused a decrease in diuresis and subsequently a mild stimulation of diuresis. 0.1% solution of essential oil was considered to be a therapeutic dose, whereas 0.5% and 1% solutions caused toxic symptoms in the animals. A further experiment involving treatment of rats for 3 days with a 10% drug infusion and 0.1% essential oil solution demonstrated the considerable diuretic activity of winter savory.