Abstract

MARTINEZ MARTIN, Sara María et al. Evaluation of the natural product called Noni-C (Morinda citrifolia L.) as a diuretic in an experimental model using rats. Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2012, vol.17, n.4, pp.431-438. ISSN 1028-4796.

Introduction: in the Cuban traditional herb medicine, the fruit of a plant called Noni-C was used because of its health benefits. A number of curative properties are attributed to this plant, such as antihypertensive, diuretic, antitumoral, antiinflammatory and others. However, there are no preclinical studies that prove the diuretic effect and validate the use of this plant to this end. Objective: to evaluate the diuretic action of Noni-C (Morinda citrifolia L.). Methods: forty Wistar rats weighing 220 to 260 g as average were randomly distributed in 5 homogeneous groups. The groups I, II and III were administered Noni-C at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight respectively; group IV was treated with furosemide (20 mg/kg) and group V was inoculated 0.9 % sodium chloride. The rats were then placed in individual metabolic cages to collect their urine samples for 24 hours and to quantify the amount of excreted Na⁺, K⁺ and CI^-. Results: after 24 hours, the urine volumes in Noni C-treated rats at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg were 30.12 abd 34.23 ml/24 h, respectively. These values were similar to those of the group which received furosemide (38.33 mL/24h) (p< 0.05). Conclusions: the natural product called Noni-C showed its diuretic effect at 200 and 400 mg/kg orally administered doses.

Keywords : diuretic; Morinda citrifolia; Noni-C; Wistar rats; herb plants; animal model.

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