The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2022;11(1):40-46 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2022.11108

Research Article

Diuretic activity of the aqueous roots extract of Leptadenia hastata (Asclepiadaceae) in rats

Ntchapda Fidele¹ , Maidadi Barthelemy¹ , Talla Ernest Rodrigue¹ , Hamadjida Adjia² , Seke Etet Paul Faustin³

Ntchapda Fidele,Maidadi Barthelemy,Talla Ernest Rodrigue,Hamadjida Adjia,Seke Etet Paul Faustin

1. Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon
2. Department of Biology, Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Ngaoundere, Cameroon
3. Department of Physiological Sciences and Biochemistry, FMBS, University of Ngaoundere, P.O. Box 454, Cameroon

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 27th December, 2021 / Accepted: 24th January, 2022

Abstract

Leptadenia hastata is a plant used in African traditional medicine to treat arterial hypertension. We assessed the acute and subacute diuretic activities of aqueous extract of L. hastata roots in rats. Male Adult rats were administered with L. hastata roots extract acutely (24 h) and sub-acutely (7 days) at doses 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg (per os). To assess acute diuretic activity, samples of tail vein blood were collected 24h after treatment and urine was collected every 3h. Levels of Na + , K+ , and Cl- , urea, and creatinine were also measured. Natriuretic, saluretic, and diuretic indexes were determined. The urine collected for 7 days was processed similarly to assess sub-acute diuretic activity. The extract induced significant increases in urine volume (54.93%, 64.47%, and 77.69% compared to vehicle group for doses 150, 200, and 250 mg/kg, respectively), and urine Na+ (126.51%, 136.83%, and 133.67%, respectively), Cl- , and in a lesser extent, K+ levels 24h after treatment. Creatinine and urea levels increased in urine whereas Blood creatinine and urea levels were decreased. Diuretic, saluretic, natriuretic and ionic indexes were also significative. These effects were maintained along 7 days of treatment, and were comparable with two references drugs effects (furosemide and amiloride hydrochlorothiazide). Altogether, our results suggest that aqueous extract of L. hastata roots has strong acute and subacute diuretic activities in rats, which warrant further studies considering the potential for unraveling a novel class of diuretic drugs.