Diuretic Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle Compared with Furosemide in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle is one of the medicinal plants widely used in folk medicine to cure certain diseases. The current work aims to assess the diuretic potential of C. nardus using animal models. Urine electrolytes (sodium and potassium), serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride), blood urea, creatinine, creatinine clearance, osmolar clearance, urinary osmolarity, and urine flow were determined. To assess the diuretic effect of the studied plant, four groups of rats were used (n = 6). The control group received 10 mL of water, the second and third groups received two doses of the plant (100 and 150 mg/kg bw), and the last group received furosemide (10 mg/kg bw), the experiment sustained for seven days. Urine flow and electrolytes levels were studied. The single dose of C. nardus extract significantly increased urine flow after oral administration. In addition, daily administration of both doses of C. nardus significantly elevated urine excretion, opposite to the first group. C. nardus enhanced the urine elimination of sodium and potassium. Importantly, both doses have no effect on serum potassium level. Creatinine clearance was significantly elevated in a dose-dependent manner. This information will be considered as a keystone for further studies forward in applying new process to isolate active compounds of C. nardus responsible for its biological properties.