Evaluation of the diuretic activity of the ethanolic extract of Geranium seemannii Peyr. in Wistar rats

Abstract

Background

Although Geranium seemannii Peyr. is widely used in Mexican traditional medicine, there is as yet no scientific study to explore the validity of this practice. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the diuretic activity of the ethanolic extract of G. seemannii Peyr. to provide evidence about its effect.

Methods

G. seemannii Peyr. was orally administered to adult male Wistar rats at 25 and 50 mg/kg, and its diuretic activity was evaluated and compared to the reference drug furosemide (20 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally). Acute toxicity and lethality (LD₅₀) of the extract were assessed.

Results

Compared to control rats, there was significantly higher urinary output, as well as sodium, potassium and chloride ion excretion, in animals administered the ethanolic extract of G. seemannii Peyr. This effect was dose dependent, and there was no evidence of either acute toxicity or lethality with twice the maximum dose employed.

Discussion

The diuretic activity of some plants has been attributed to the presence of flavonoids, and G. seemannii Peyr. has a relatively large concentration of ellagitannins. This could be responsible for the effect demonstrated herein, which was similar to that produced by the reference drug furosemide. The mechanism of action of furosemide is by inducing a loss of water through the inhibition of NaCl reabsorption. The results suggest that this receptor-mediated mechanism may account for the diuretic effect of G. seemannii Peyr. as well.

Conclusion

The findings in the present work support the possible use of G. seemannii Peyr as a diuretic agent and, representing the first report of the diuretic activity of this specie.