Abstract

MARTINEZ MARTIN, Sara María et al. Diuretic activity of 50% tinction from Varronia globosa Jacq (yerba de la sangre) in rats. Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2011, vol.16, n.2, pp. 174-182. ISSN 1028-4796.

Introduction: decoction of fresh leaves from a well-known plant called yerba de la sangre (Varronia globosa Jacq.) is used in Cuba due to its beneficial effects for treating renal and hypertensive disorders; however, there is no preclinical study to prove this action and to validate its use. Objective: to determine the diuretic activity of 50% tincture from leaves and branches of V. globosa. Methods: forty Wistar male rats weighing 260 g each as average were randomly assigned to 4 working groups (n= 10). The results were compared to those of furosemide at a dose of 20 mg/kg, and of 0.9 % sodium chloride as negative control. The experimental groups received 50 % tincture from leaves and branches of V. globosa at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg. The urinary excretion was measured at 24 hours; additionally, chloride, sodium and potassium concentrations were considered. Results: after 24 hours, the urine volumes in the groups that received tinction from V. globosa at a dose of 50 mg/kg behaved similarly to the positive control group (furosemide) and significantly different from the negative control group (0.9 % sodium chloride). V. globosa tincture proved to have natriuretic effect at 50 mg/kg dose. Conclusions: 50 % tincture from V. globosa, traditionally known as yerba de la sangre, showed diuretic action at 50 mg/kg orally administered dose.

Keywords : Varronia globosa Jacq; diuretic action; diuretic pattern; Wistar rats; medicinal plants; tincture.

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