Pharmacological characterization of the diuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn (Malvaceae) extract

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) populary known in Mexico as “Jamaica”, “flor de Jamaica”, has widely used in Mexican Traditional Medicine as antihypertensive and diuretic, although the latter activity has been reported the present work show evidence about the diuretic, natriuretic and potassium-sparing effects. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the diuretic activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract on in vivo and in situ models. Materials and methodsThe Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract was administrated in increasing doses and evaluated the diuresis produced and disposal of electrolytes. Moreover, in isolated kidney was determined the renal filtration rate with plant extract, furosemide and amiloride. ResultsThe yield of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extraction was 28.3% and the chemical standardization from 1g of extract was: 56.5mg delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside, 20.8mg/g cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside, 3.2mg/g quercetin, 2.1mg/g rutin and 2.7mg/g chlorogenic acid. The diuretic and natriuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa aqueous extract showed a dose-dependent behavior. The pharmacological constants of natriuretic effect was ED50=86mg/kg and Emax=0.9mEq/100g/5h. In the model of kidney in situ was observed that renal filtration increased 48% with the aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa and an additive effect when was perfuse with furosemide. ConclusionThe compound presents in Hibiscus sabdariffa as quercetin had effect on the vascular endothelium causing oxide nitric release, increasing renal vasorelaxation by increasing kidney filtration. Therefore, the diuretic effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa may be mediated by nitric oxide release.