Diuretic activity of the aqueous extract of Paullinia pinnata L. (Sapindaceae) leaves in wistar rats

Abstract

The objective of this work is to evaluate the effects of an aqueous extract of Paullinia pinnata (Sapindaceae) on urinary excretion in wistar rats. To conduct this study, four groups of five rats were divided as follows-Group 1 was the control group, where the rats received 30 ml/kg BW of distilled water ad libitum-Groups 2, 3, and 4 received 30 ml/kg BW of extract at doses of 200 mg/kg BW, 800 mg/kg BW, and 1200 mg/kg BW, respectively. The time to first urination was recorded, as was the urine volume collected after 24 hours from each group of rats. Sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and chlorine (Cl-) ions were determined using the Smartlyte Electrolyte Analyzer. The results showed that this extract administered at doses of 200, 800, and 1200 mg/kg BW caused a progressive and significant increase in urinary excretion in treated rats compared to controls. Electrolyte determination showed elevated concentrations of sodium (96.16%), potassium (77.38%) and chlorine (76.52%) in the urine of rats treated with extract at a dose of 1200 mg/kg BW after 24 hours compared to the controls.