Diuretic activity of the stem-bark extracts of Steganotaenia araliacea hochst [Apiaceae

The diuretic activity of the stem-bark extracts of Steganotaenia araliacea (SbESa) and effects on urine electrolytes in rats was studied. Furthermore, a toxicological effect of the SbESa on several tissues was investigated. Groups of male Wister albino rats (170 +/- 0.77 g) were employed. Four doses of 20mg/kg body weight (b.w.), of SbESa (water, methanol, ethanol) and furosemide were administered intraperitoneally (IP). The control group received normal saline alone by oral administration. The 24-h urine outputs per day (in ml) were: normal saline (1.57 +/- 0.11); water extract (3.18 +/- 0.24); methanol extract (3.22 +/- 0.29); ethanol extract (3.62 +/- 0.27) and furosemide (4.22 +/- 0.23). The urine output among the extracts (water, methanol, ethanol) and the furosemide against the control was statistically significant, (P < 0.05), (P < 0.05), (P < 0.02), and (P < 0.01), respectively. The ethanol preparation gave the highest diuretic activity among the extracts. There was marked increase in K(+) ion excretion (122 +/- 7.3 mMol/l) in the ethanol extract as compared to control (95.8 +/- 1.2 mMol/l) and furosemide (standard) (90.05 +/- 0.1 mMol/l). The LD(50) of 1.75 g/kg body weight was observed and the histopathological examination reveals damage to vital organs. The authors conclude that though there are compelling evidence of diuretic potentials in the use of the stem-bark of Steganotaenia araliacea, the toxic effects on vital organs is a drawback to its recommendation for use as a diuretic agent.     

Studies on diuretic and hypouricemic effects of Orthosiphon stamineus methanol extracts in rats

AIM OF THE STUDY: Orthosiphon stamineus (Labiatae) is a traditional folk medicine widely used in Southeast Asia for the treatment of several kidney disorders, gout and as a diuretic. This study was conducted to examine the diuretic and hypouricemic effects of Orthosiphon stamineus leaf extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diuretic effect of different methanol extracts was examined by treating different groups of Sprague-Dawley rats with single (2g/kg) oral doses of methanol and methanol:water (1:1) extracts. Hydrochlorothiazide (10mg/kg) was used as positive control in acute study. Methanol and methanol water (1:1) extracts at 0.5 g/kg were administered for a period of 7 consecutive days. Cumulative urine volume and electrolytes (Na+ and K+) concentrations at different time intervals were measured. On the other hand, hypouricemic activity of methanol:water extract (1:1) was experimented using different oral single doses (0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2g/kg). Allopurinol was used as positive control. Uric acid concentration in serum was analyzed by using RP-HPLC at 280 nm. RESULTS: Sodium and potassium excretion increased significantly (p<0.05 and <0.01) in the first 8h of treatment with a single dose (2g/kg) of the extracts in a pattern comparable to that of the known diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. Meanwhile, repeated administration of 0.5 g/kg methanol:water (1:1) extract showed a significant increase in urine volume (from day 3 to day 7) (p<0.01) and electrolytes excretion (Na+ and K+) from day 2 to day 7 (p<0.05 and <0.01). On the other hand, 0.5, 1 and 2g/kg of methanol:water (1:1) extract and the standard allopurinol reduced the serum urate level in hyperuricemic rats at hour 6. CONCLUSION: These results provided an evidence of the high tendency of methanol:water (1:1) extract of Orthosiphon stamineus towards diuretic and hypouricemic effects in rats.     

Diuretic effect of the aqueous extract of Bidens odorata in the rat

The aerial part of Bidens odorata Cav., are used in Mexican Folk Medicine to treat renal diseases. The aim of this study is to measure the diuretic response to aqueous extract of this plant at doses of 41 and 166 mg/kg and to compare it with that induced by furosemide at 2 mg/kg. Aqueous extracts, furosemide or vehicle were administered orally to adult rats and the effects on sodium, potassium and water balance were assessed. Aqueous extracts at both doses and furosemide produced important and significant increments in urinary excretion of sodium, potassium and water in rats with respect to control group. This increase was dose dependent and aqueous extract at the highest dose induced a more marked sodium and water excretion than furosemide, potassium excretion increased but it was less than the one induced by furosemide. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of Bidens odorata induce diuretic response.     

白术利尿作用研究

目的:研究白术及其拆分组分对大鼠的利尿作用。方法:采用多模式联用的方法对白术化学组分进行拆分;通过预先胃水负荷模型,以6 h尿量为指标考察白术及其拆分组分对水负荷大鼠利尿作用;进一步测定红细胞和肾髓中Na~+-K~+-ATP酶活力、血尿素氮浓度、肾髓中碳酸酐酶水平和Na~+、K~+、Cl-排出量,研究其相关机理。结果:高剂量白术水煎液和白术挥发油组分对大鼠有一定的抗利尿作用;与空白组相比,白术水煎液及其拆分组分组红细胞中Na~+-K~+-ATP酶活力、肾髓中Na~+-K~+-ATP酶和碳酸酐酶水平无显著变化。结论:白术对正常动物无利尿作用,相反表现出一定的抗利尿作用,且首次研究发现白术挥发油有一定的抗利尿作用。     

Evaluation of diuretic activity of Alternanthera pungens extract in rats

A pharmacological evaluation for diuretic activity of the ethanol extract of Alternanthera pungens was carrried out. Urinary excretion of water, pH, density and sodium concentration were investigated in isotonic saline loaded rats. The extract showed an effective diuretic activity, in comparison with furosemide, increasing significantly the renal loss of sodium. These results indicate that this plant has a diuretic behaviour similar to furosemide, a high-ceiling diuretic agent. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

车前子与车前草利尿作用研究

目的观察车前子与车前草提取物的利尿作用。方法采用大鼠水负荷模型,分别用不同浓度的车前子和车前草乙醇提取物和水溶性成分给药,研究并比较其对大鼠排尿量和尿中Na^＋、K^＋、Cl^-离子排泄量的影响。结果40g／kg和10g／kg剂量的车前子和车前草乙醇提取物均能增加大鼠排尿量和尿中Na^＋、K^＋、Cl^-离子含量,相同浓度下车前子作用略强于车前草,但水提物则无利尿作用。结论车前子和车前草具有利尿作用,乙醇提取物为其利尿作用的有效部位,且车前子的利尿作用稍强于车前草。     

Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and antioxidant activities of Carlina acanthifolia root essential oil

In the Moroccan traditional medicine, the ripe fruits of Carum carvi L. (Apiaceae) and the leaves of Tanacetum vulgare L. (Asteraceae/Compositae), two widely available plant materials, are used as diuretics. Since, the diuretic activity of these substances has not been investigated in scientifically controlled studies, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the diuretic potential of aqueous extracts of Carum carvi fruit (caraway) and the leaves of Tanacetum vulgare (tansy) in normal rats after acute and sub-chronic oral administration. Water extracts of Carum carvi and Tanacetum vulgare (100 mg/kg) or the reference drug, furosemide (10 mg/kg) were administrated orally to male Wistar rats and their urine output was quantitated at several intervals of time after the dose. After single doses of the extracts of both caraway seeds and tansy leaves, urine output was significantly increased at all time points, and at 24 h after the dose, the total volume of urine excreted was similar for the plant extracts and furosemide. Both extracts increased urinary levels of Na⁺ and K⁺, to about the same extent, while furosemide increased urinary levels of only Na⁺ and decreased urinary K⁺. Despite changes in urinary excretion of the electrolytes, plasma Na⁺ and K⁺ levels were not affected by any of the three substances. In the 8-day sub-chronic study, all three substances induced significant diuresis and natriuresis; only tansy increased urinary potassium excretion. The plant extracts did not appear to have renal toxicity or any other adverse effects during the study period. In conclusion, water extracts of both Carum carvi and Tanacetum vulgare have strong diuretic action confirming their ethnopharmacological use. From the pattern of excretion of water, sodium and potassium, it may be deduced that there are atleast two types of active principals present in these extracts, one having a furosemide-like activity and the other a thiazide-like activity.     

Diuretic effect and mechanism of action of parsley

This work provides substantial evidence for the advocated diuretic effect of parsley in folk medicine and determines the mechanism of action of the herb. Rats offered an aqueous parsley seed extract to drink, eliminated a significantly larger volume of urine per 24 h as compared to when they were drinking water. These findings were supported by the results of other experiments using an in situ kidney perfusion technique which demonstrated also a significant increase in urine flow rate with parsley seed extract. This effect was still apparent in presence of amiloride, furosemide and in the absence of sodium, but not in the absence of potassium, suggesting that the diuretic effect of the herb is mediated through an increase in K+ retention in the lumen. Parsley extract, was shown on the other hand, to reduce the activity of the Na+-K+ ATPase in both cortex and medulla homogenates. Such an inhibition would decrease apical cellular Na+ reabsorption, lower K+ secretion, increase K+ concentration in the intercellular space and consequently would inhibit passive K+ influx across the tight junctions. The mechanism of action of parsley seems to be mediated through an inhibition of the Na+-K+ pump that would lead to a reduction in Na+ and K+ reabsorption leading thus to an osmotic water flow into the lumen, and diuresis.     

Chronic diuretic effect of the water extract of Spergularia purpurea in normal rats

The purpose of this study was to examine the chronic diuretic effect of the water extract of the whole plant of Spergularia purpurea (SP) at different doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) in normal rats. Daily oral administration of the water extract was tested for 4 weeks. Urinary water and electrolytes excretion were determined weekly. Oral administration of the water extract at different doses produced a significant and dose-dependent diuresis and increase in electrolytes excretion. The highest dose (400 mg/kg) of the water extract of SP enhanced urine output from 7.15 +/- 0.42 ml/24 h at the start to 23.01 +/- 0.75 ml/24 h after 4 weeks (p < 0.001). It also produced significant increase in urinary excretion of Na+ (P < 0.01), K+ (P < 0.01) and Cl(-) (P < 0.01). Chronic treatment with SP decreased significantly urine osmolality (P < 0.01 vs. control), while a slight increase in glomerular filtration rate was also observed (P < 0.05) for both doses of water extract (100 and 400 mg/kg). It is concluded that the water extract of whole plant of SP has a significant diuretic effect in rats.     

Effects of Opuntia megacantha on blood glucose and kidney function in streptozotocin diabetic rats

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of Opuntia megacantha leaf extracts on blood glucose concentrations and kidney function in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. STZ-diabetic and non-diabetic rats were orally administered extracts of O. megacantha leaves (20 mg/100 g body weight) daily for 5 weeks and respective control rats were administered normal saline (0.1 ml/100 mg body weight). Urine volume, urinary outputs of Na+, K+ and creatinine were monitored daily over the 5-week period. Plasma concentrations of Na+, K+, urea and creatinine and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as assessed by creatinine clearance were determined after 5 weeks. Plasma glucose concentrations in STZ-diabetic and non-diabetic rats were reduced by the administration of leaf extracts of O. megacantha. However, leaf extracts increased urinary Na+ output in STZ-diabetic and non-diabetic rats, concomitantly with a reduction in plasma concentration of the ion. O. megacantha leaf extracts significantly increased plasma creatinine and urea concentrations in non-diabetic and STZ-diabetic rats. Administration of the leaf extract was also associated with an increased GFR in STZ-diabetic rats (from 1.8 +/- 0.3 ml/min to 2.8 +/- 0.3 ml/min, n = 8) although the rate was unaltered in non-diabetic rats. The results suggest that leaf extracts of O. megacantha not only reduce blood glucose levels, but may be toxic to the kidney as shown by the elevation in plasma urea and creatinine concentrations and the reduction of plasma Na+ concentration.     

益母草中生物碱成分对大鼠的利尿作用研究

目的：研究益母草中生物碱成分对大鼠的利尿作用。方法：三组动物分别用生理盐水、益母草碱溶液、水苏碱溶液2．5ml／100g灌胃，测定记录排出尿量，测定尿液中K^ ，Na^ ，Cl^-含量。结果：水苏碱能显著增加大鼠尿量，益母草碱也有一定效果，其作用均在2h内达到高峰。相比较而言，水苏碱作用更加迅速，而益母草碱作用较为和缓。尿液中的离子分析表明，两种生物碱成分增加Na^ 的排出量，而使K^ 的排出量减少，Cl^-也有所增加。结论：益母草可作为一种作用和缓的保钾利尿药使用。     

Diuretic effect of the crude extracts of Carissa edulis in rats

Carissa edulis (forssk) vahl (Apocynaceae) is used traditionally for the treatment of headache, chest complaints, rheumatism, gonorrhoea, syphilis, rabies and as a diuretic. In the present study, the diuretic activity of different extracts of Carissa edulis was investigated. The diuretic activity of the different extracts of Carissa edulis in a dose range of 50-1000 mg/kg was assessed orally in rats using hydrochlorothiazide as a standard drug. The root bark maceration extract showed no effect on the urine output up to a dose of 1000 mg/kg, while the root bark soxhlet extract produced a significant increase (P < 0.05) in urine output at a dose of 1000 mg/kg. The root wood maceration and root wood soxhlet extracts produced a significant increase in urine output at a dose of 50 mg/kg, with a P-value of <0.05. Urinary electrolyte excretion was also affected by the extracts: the root bark soxhlet extract increased urinary excretion of sodium, potassium and chloride ions; root wood maceration extract increased excretion of sodium and potassium, while root wood soxhlet extract increased excretion of potassium ion. These findings support the traditional use of Carissa edulis as a diuretic agent.     

Pharmacological studies on hypotensive, diuretic and vasodilator activities of chrysin glucoside from Calycotome villosa in rats

The present study was undertaken in normotensive anaesthetized male rats that received a continuous perfusion of a chrysin glucoside isolated from the flowers and leaves of Calycotome villosa subsp intermedia at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg, or furosemide (control diuretic) at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg. Compared with the control rats receiving NaCl (0.9%), the urine flow, glomerular filtration and electrolyte excretion (Na+, K+) increased significantly in rats treated with chrysin glucoside (p < 0.001). A similar effect was observed in the rats perfused with furosemide. Intravenous injections of bolus doses (1-3 mg/kg) of the chrysin glucoside to anaesthetized rats elicited an immediate and dose-dependent decrease in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP). Pretreatment of the rats with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, l-NOArg (10 mg/kg), reduced partially, but significantly (p < 0.01), the maximal decrease in MABP elicited by chrysin glucoside. In the rat isolated aorta preparation, chrysin glucoside (10-100 microm) inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the noradrenaline (1 microm) induced contractions (IC(50) = 52 microm). This relaxant activity of chrysin glucoside was significantly reduced by incubation of the endothelium-intact rings with l-NOArg (100 microm), (80 +/- 4.7% vs 48 +/- 5.06% in the absence of L-NOArg). In conclusion, these results demonstrate a diuretic and hypotensive action of a chrysin glucoside from Calycotome villosa in anaesthetized rats and indicating an action on renal function, and an active vascular relaxation mediated partially through nitric oxide release.     

Diuretic activity of Withania aristata: an endemic Canary Island species

This study reports on the pharmacological evaluation of the diuretic activity of an infusion and a methanol extract of Withania aristata Ait. in laboratory rats. Water excretion rate, pH, density, conductivity, and content of Na(+), K(+) and Cl(-) were measured in the urine of rats subjected to hypersaline conditions. Both the infusion and the methanol extract showed a significant diuretic effect compared with non-treated controls, with notable increases in the rates of water and sodium excretion. There was also a potassium retention effect. The diuretic effect did not appear to be related to the potassium content in the material tested, but did have some relation to its content of active polar compounds. The results justify the use of Withania aristata as a diuretic agent in folk medicine of the Canary Islands.     

Diuretic properties of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Orthosiphon stamineus has been used in traditional medicine for centuries especially to treat diseases of the urinary system.

Aim of the study

To investigate the diuretic activity, to elucidate its possible mechanism and to evaluate the renal effects of Orthosiphon stamineus extract.

Materials and methods

Water extracts were administered orally at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg to Sprague–Dawley rats and the control groups were given commercial diuretic drugs either furosemide or hydrochlorthiazide at 10 mg/kg. Urine volume, urine pH, urine density and urine electrolytes were determined every hour for 4 h. Blood was assayed for glucose, albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine.

Results

O. stamineus extract exhibited dose-dependent diuretic activity. However, excretion of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ was not markedly elevated, but urinary excretion of K⁺ was significantly increased. O. stamineus extracts slightly increased the serum BUN, creatinine and blood glucose level. Although these levels were statistically significant when compared to control, these levels were still within normal range.

Conclusions

O. stamineus exhibited diuretic activity, but was less potent than furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide. Care should be taken when consuming this herb as slight increase of kidney function enzymes was recorded.     

Experimental diuretic effects of Rosmarinus officinalis and Centaurium erythraea

Herbal remedies are widely used in Moroccan pharmacopoeia. We assessed the diuretic effect of two medicinal plants: Rosmarinus officinalis L., Labiatae, and Centaurium erythraea L., Gentianaceae, both reputed for the treatment of urinary ailments. To determine the action of these herbs on urinary volume (UV) and the excretion of sodium (U(Na)V), potassium (U(K)V), and chloride (U(Cl)V), the aqueous extracts of both plants were administered daily to Wistar rats for 1 week. The concentration of electrolytes and urea in plasma and creatinine clearance were also investigated. Daily oral administration of the aqueous extracts of R. officinalis and C. erythraea at the dose of 10 ml/kg of 8 or 16% extract in distilled water significantly enhanced diuresis in rats compared to the control group from the fifth day of treatment. For R. officinalis at the dose of 8% the peak of urinary excretion of sodium, potassium and chloride was reached after 6 days of treatment (P<0.001). The aqueous extract of of R. officinalis at the dose of 16% did not significantly affect the excretion of water and electrolytes over a similar period but slight increases in urinary excretion of sodium and chloride on the seventh day and of potassium on the sixth day (P<0.05) were observed. No increase was recorded for 24 h urinary excretion of Na+, K+ and Cl- during the first 4 days of treatment for the groups treated with C. erythraea at the doses of 8 and 16% whereas their effects on the same parameters were highly significant thereafter. No change was observed in plasma electrolytes and urea in any group, except for a decrease in sodium and chloride concentration in the group treated with 16% of R. officinalis. A decrease in creatinine clearance was demonstrated after treatment with 8% of R. officinalis and C. erythraea. Our findings demonstrate a diuretic effect of aqueous extracts of R. officinalis L. and C. erythraea L. with the most effective dose for water and electrolyte excretion being 8% for both plants.     

Diuretic activity of some Withania aristata Ait. fractions

We previously reported on the significant dose-dependent diuretic effects produced in laboratory rats by hot water infusions and methanol extracts of Withania aristata Ait., where notable increases were observed in the excretion of water and sodium, with an interesting potassium-saving effect. The present study gives the results of the diuretic effects in rats of the hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol and methanol–water fractions of the previously studied methanol extract.

Water excretion rate, pH, density, conductivity and content of Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl⁻ were measured in the urine of the rats when subjected to hypersaline conditions. Of the above fractions, the methanol:water extract (100 mg/kg) showed the most interesting diuretic activity (25%; ^**p < 0.01), which suggested that increase in the polarity of the extracting solvent led to an increase in the concentration of the polar compounds responsible for the diuretic effect. These data, together with previous results on the aqueous and methanol extracts, reaffirm assertions made regarding the effectiveness of the extracts of this plant against urinary pathologies in the Canary Islands folk medicine.     

Diuretic activity of Smilax canariensis, an endemic Canary Island species

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Smilax canariensis is an endemic species of the Canary Islands, popularly known as "Zarzaparrilla sin espinas". This species has wide use in folk-medicine practice on the islands, especially as diuretic. So the aim of our study is to evaluate the diuretic activity of an aqueous and a methanol extract of this species. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three infusions doses (250, 500 and 750mg/kg) and two methanol extract doses (100 and 200mg/kg) were orally administered to laboratory rats. Water excretion rate, pH, density, conductivity, and content of Na(+) and K(+) were measured in the urine of saline-loaded rats. RESULTS: Water excretion rates were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner by both hot water infusions and the alcohol extract. The electrolytic excretion was also dose-dependent, although potassium excretion was markedly reduced when using the alcohol extract compared with that observed for the infusion. CONCLUSIONS: Smilax canariensis presents a notable diuretic effect which appeared to be related both to its potassium content and to the presence of polar organic compounds. The present results provide a quantitative basis explaining the traditional folk-medicine use of Smilax canariensis as a diuretic agent by the Canary Island population.     

Acute diuretic effect of continuous intravenous infusion of an aqueous extract of Coriandrum sativum L. in anesthetized rats

AIM OF THE STUDY: The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the acute diuretic activity of continuous intravenous infusion of an aqueous extract of the seed of Coriandrum sativum L. Apiaceae (coriander) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aqueous extract of coriander seed was administered by continuous intravenous infusion (120 min) at two doses (40 and 100mg/kg) to anesthetized Wistar rats. Furosemide (10mg/kg), a standard diuretic was used as the reference drug. Excretion of water and electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride) in urine was measured, and glomerular filtration rate (equal to creatinine clearance) was determined. RESULTS: The crude aqueous extract of coriander seeds increased diuresis, excretion of electrolytes, and glomerular filtration rate in a dose-dependent way; furosemide was more potent as a diuretic and saluretic. The mechanism of action of the plant extract appears to be similar to that of furosemide. CONCLUSIONS: The aqueous extract of coriander seed possesses diuretic and saluretic activity, thus, validating the use of coriander as a diuretic plant in Moroccan pharmacopoeia.     

Effect of Cuscuta chinensis on renal function in ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute renal failure rats

The kidneys play a central role in regulating water, ion composition and excretion of metabolic waste products in the urine. Cuscuta chinensis has been known as an important traditional Oriental medicine for the treatment of liver and kidney disorders. Thus, we studied whether an aqueous extract of Cuscuta chinensis (ACC) seeds has an effect on renal function parameters in ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute renal failure (ARF) rats. Administration of 250 mg/kg/day ACC showed that renal functional parameters including urinary excretion rate, osmolality, Na(+), K(+), Cl(-), creatinine clearance, solute-free water reabsorption were significantly recovered in ischemia/reperfusion-induced ARF. Periodic acid Schiff staining showed that administration of ACC improved tubular damage in ischemia/reperfusion-induced ARF. In immunoblot and immunohistological examinations, ischemia/reperfusion-induced ARF decreased the expressions of water channel AQP 2, 3 and sodium potassium pump Na,K-ATPase in the renal medulla. However, administration of ACC markedly incremented AQP 2, 3 and Na,K-ATPase expressions. Therefore, these data indicate that administration of ACC ameliorates regulation of the urine concentration and renal functions in rats with ischemia/reperfusion-induced ARF.