L-004 DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF BRIDELIA FERRUGINEA BENTH. (EUPHORBIACEAE) INNORMAL RATS

Background In the Ivorian traditional medicine, the stem-bark of Brideliaferruginea Benth (Euphorbiaceae) is used for the treatment of hypertension and as diuretic. Since, the diuretic activity of this substance has not been investigated in scientifically controlled studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diuretic potential of aqueous extract of Brideliaferruginea stem-bark in normal rats after acute administration. Methods Male Wistar rats were used in all experiments. After 18 hours of total diet, the rats received 50 ml/kg of distilled water orally before treatments. To determine its influence on urinary volume and the excretion of sodium and potassium aqueous extract of Brideliaferruginea (10 mg/kg) or the reference drug, furosemide (10 mg/kg) were administrated intraperitoneally to the rats. The concentration of électrolytes in plasma was also investigated. The total sodium and potassium concentrations in urine samples and in plasma were determined using flame photometry. Results After single doses of the extract of the stem-bark of Brideliaferruginea, urine output was significantly increased after 24 hours. Intraperitoneal administration of aqueous Brideliaferruginea extract at a dose of 10 mg/kg produced a significant increase in urinary excretion of sodium (p < 0,01 compared to control) and potassium (p < 0,05compared to control) in rats. Plasma sodium level was significantly increased but potassium level was not affected. The diuretic effect was lower than that of furosemide which produced increased plasma sodium level and decreased plasma potassium level. Conclusions The diuretic and natriuretic effects were observed. These results suggest that theaqueous extract of Brideliaferruginea induce diuretic response. These findings support the traditional use of this plant.