Diuretic Activity Research Articles

Preliminary phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of Delonix regia (Bojer ex hook) extract

Delonix regia, belongs to family leguminosae, a well-known plant with high medicinal value with antioxidant, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, wound healing, antiarthritic, larvicidal, antimalarial, antiemetic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antidiarrhoeal, antiheamolytic, diuretic, and anthelmintic activities. The aim of the present investigation was Preliminary Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of Delonix regia (Bojer Ex Hook) extractDelonix regia extract. The ethanolic extract of the leaves of Delonix regia was prepared and carried out for phytochemical constituents using standard methods. Antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract were carried out against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella. The testing was done by the disc diffusion method. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenol, terpenes. The in-vitro anti-microbial activity of the ethanolic extract of the plant showed results against the test organisms.

Superior antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of chlorthalidone compared with hydrochlorothiazide.

Diuretics are the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of hypertension, either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs. Of all diuretics, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and chlorthalidone (CTD) are the most commonly used, with HCTZ being the most widely prescribed diuretic. Recent studies have shown that CTD is a better diuretic with superior antihypertensive effectiveness and cardiovascular protection. Although these diuretics are chemically, pharmacokinetically and pharmacodynamically different, CTD continues to be called a "thiazide-like" diuretic. The only common features they both share are a sulfhydryl group in their molecules and their common mechanism and site of diuretic action. In order to get a better understanding of the true pharmacologic actions as well as the benefits and risks of these diuretics, a MEDLINE search of the English language literature between 1964 and January 2021 was conducted, using the terms "diuretics", "hydrochlorothiazide", "chlorthalidone", "hypertension", "cardiovascular disease" and "treatment". From this search, 28 pertinent papers were selected and they will be discussed in this review together with collateral literature. The analysis of results revealed that CTD is superior to HCTZ in antihypertensive effectiveness and cardioprotection and should be the preferred diuretic for the treatment of hypertension.

Diuretic, Kaliuretic and Anti-Natriuretic Properties of Aqueous Extract of Celosia trigyna L. (Amaranthaceae) on Wistar Rats

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the diuretic and electrolyte excretion properties of the aqueous extract of Celosia trigyna L. (Amaranthaceae) on female Wistar rats.
 Methodology: The extraction of active principles was done by macerating aerial parts of the plant. The administration of the extract and other products was done by single-dose gavage. Measurements of urinary flow rate (UFR), natriuria, kaliuria and chloruria were taken on urine collected for twenty-four hours after each product was administered. Diuretic activity (DA) and diuretic index (DI), natriuretic and saluretic effects, and carbonic anhydrase inhibition were calculated. A NaCl solution (0.9%) was used as a negative control; furosemide and aldactone were respectively used as hypokalemic and hyperkalemic positive controls.
 Results: We observed a significant increase in UFR, confirmed by the values of DA and DI, obtained after the administration of extract. For electrolyte excretion, we observed an increase of the kaliuria (p ˂ 0.001) and a decrease of natriuria (p ˂ 0.001) after the extract was administered; chloruria did not significantly changed. We also found a drastic anti-natriuretic dose-dependent effect while saluretic activity and carbonic anhydrase inhibition were not clearly observable.
 Conclusion: These results confirm the ethnobotanical data about diuretic effect of Celosia trigyna L. extract. This diuretic effect would be supported by a specific increase in K+ excretion suggesting that the extract is possibly hypokalemic. The anti-natriuretic effect suggests that extract possess an aldosterone-like properties.

Http://www.plantarchives.org/SPECIAL%20ISSUE%2021-1/428%20(2631-2635).pdf

Holarrhena antidysenterica belongs to the family Apocynaceae is commonly known as kurchi in Hindi, Tellicherry bark in English is a small deciduous tree which is distributed throughout the world and in India, it is found in dry forests. In Indian traditional medicine, H. Antidysenterica is popularly used as a medication for dysentery, diarrhoea and intestinal worms. Plant parts such as bark are used to treat anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, analgesics, amoebiasis, chronic bronchitis, locally for boils, ulcers; The phytochemicals present in the plant include coumarins, ergosterol, flavonoids, phenolic acids, resins, saponins, steroidal alkaloids, tannins, triterpenoids. Pharmacological studies include anti-amnesic, anti-diabetic, antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhoeal, antioxidant/free radical scavenging property, diuretic activity, anti-amoebic, anthelminthic, anti-microbial properties of Holarrhena antidysenterica. This review article explored the detailed investigation of the botanical description, phytochemistry and pharmacological actions of Holarrhena antidysenterica to afford an objective for further research.

Ethnopharmacological investigations of the leaves of Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (Urticaceae): A native Brazilian tree species

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCecropia pachystachya Trécul (Urticaceae) is a medicinal plant popularly known as ‘embaúba’. In Brazil, the leaves of this species are used for the treatment of various kidney and cardiovascular diseases. However, there are no detailed studies on the renal and cardiovascular activities of this species. No studies on the anatomy or the quality control of this herbal drug is available thus far. AimThis study was aimed to investigate the ethnopharmacological properties of the leaves of C. pachystachya. Material and methodsThe leaves of C. pachystachya were analyzed by light and scanning electron microscopy for pharmacobotanical and anatomical characterization. The ethanol-soluble fraction of C. pachystachya leaf extract (ESCP) was characterized by high-performance liquid chromatograph equipped with diode array detector and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). The acute oral toxicity of ESCP on female Wistar rats was assessed. The acute and prolonged diuresis and antioxidant effects of ESCP (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) were evaluated in male Wistar rats. In addition, the hypotensive effects of the ESCP as well as the vasodilatory activity in isolated and perfused mesenteric vascular beds were investigated. ResultsThe anatomical markers obtained in this study can help in the identification of C. pachystachya, as well as to distinguish it from the other ‘embaúbas’. The metabolites found in the ESCP were phenolic compounds, mainly C- and O-glycosylated flavonoids. The ESCP did not exhibit any toxic effects at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. Significant diuretic activities were observed at the doses of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg. In addition, a significant modulating activity of the tissue redox state was observed after prolonged treatment. On the other hand, no hypotensive or vasodilator activity was observed. ConclusionThe key findings of the present study can contribute to the taxonomy, species identification and quality control of C. pachystachya. Chemical studies have shown the presence of glycosylated flavonoids, phenylpropanoid derivative and proanthocyanidins. The pharmacological studies showed significant diuretic and antioxidant effects of C. pachystachya leaf extract, indicating a possible validation of its popular medicinal use.

Phytochemical profile and pharmacological activity of the dry extract from Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaves modified with phenylalanine

Diseases of the urinary tract and kidneys occupy a leading place in the structure of diseases all over the world. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaves are one of the most widely used types of medicinal plant materials (MPM) with diuretic and uroantiseptic action. However, a decoction from the leaves of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi has certain disadvantages: the duration of the manufacturing process of the dosage form, the lack of standardization before use, the inaccuracy of dosage and the short storage time of the dosage form, which leads to a low complementarity of this remedy, therefore, the development of standardized extracts from this raw material is relevant. The aim. The aim of the research was a phytochemical study of a phenylalanine-modified dry extract from the leaves of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi to establish the possibility of creating a new diuretic drug. Materials and methods. The object of the study was dry extract from the leaves of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, modified with phenylalanine. Phytochemical studies of phenolic compounds and saponins were carried out by HPLC and spectrophotometry. Determination of diuretic activity was carried out according to the method of E.B. Berkhina on outbred rats. Determination of the anti-inflammatory activity of the obtained extracts was carried out by the method of carrageenan edema in white rats. The study of the antibacterial activity of the extracts was carried out by the method of diffusion into agar. Results. In the extracts obtained by HPLC, phenol glycoside (arbutin), 2 phenol carboxylic acids (gallic and ellagic), 6 flavonoids, 8 saponins were identified and their quantitative content was determined. Among flavonoids, hyperoside and catechin were dominant; among saponins, ursolic acid, uvaol, and lupeol were dominant. In the obtained extracts, the content of the main groups of phenolic compounds was determined by spectrophotometry. Dry extract of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, modified with phenylalanine, showed pronounced diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial (in relation to St. aureus, E. coli, P. vulgaris, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis and C. albicans) activity. Conclusions. The chemical composition, diuretic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of dry extract from Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaves modified with phenylalanine were determined. The obtained dry extract is noted for better solubility, bioavailability and pharmacodynamics, therefore it is a promising substance for creating new drugs in various dosage forms

Assessment of Paronychia Argentea Extraction on Kidney Stone by Using Calcium Oxalate Method

Urinary calculi are stones (urolithiasis) that can form anywhere in urinary tract outside of the kidneys and mostly composed of calcium oxalate and phosphate, additionally with elevated throughout the last two decades in the world. Chemical composition plays a major part in nephrolithiasis. Therefore, the high concentrations of lithogenic substances in urine enhance the crystallization method in urine tract system. The most kidney stones form from calcium oxalate, the present study was inspected the effect of the crude aqueous extract as well as the fractionated methanol extract (ethyl acetate, isopropanol, acetone and methanol residue) of paronychia argentea on the crystallization of calcium oxalate salts. The effect of aqueous extract and fractionated methanol extract on the size, number, type of calcium oxalate crystals. Paronychia argentea both the crude aqueous and the fractionated extract, especially ethyl acetate fraction have antiurolithic activity via reducing crystal size as well as activate the formation of calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) crystals out from calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) with increasing concentration of extract. The shifting of crystallization process to producing calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) rather than oxalate monohydrate (COM) and the reducing the crystal size and calcium ion concentration, in addition to the diuretic action of extract plays an important role in controlling urolithiasis.

How Should We Sequence the Treatments for Heart Failure and a Reduced Ejection Fraction?: A Redefinition of Evidence-Based Medicine.

How Should We Sequence the Treatments for Heart Failure and a Reduced Ejection Fraction?: A Redefinition of Evidence-Based Medicine.

Enhanced diuretic action of furosemide by complexation with β-cyclodextrin in the presence of sodium lauryl sulfate

AbstractPreparation of inclusion complex using cyclodextrins is a well-known formulation strategy to elevate the solubility of drugs. However, often cyclodextrins alone may not bring a considerable improvement in the solubility of low solubility drugs. In this study, the inclusion complexation of furosemide (FSM) was tried with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) either with the use or without the use of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is a surfactant. By using the kneading method, the binary complex of FSM/β-CD in the equal molar ratio was used. FSM and β-CD were kneaded continuously until a thick past was achieved, which was evaporated for a period of about 24 h. The solid complexed product was then crushed and stored in airtight container until use. Phase solubility studies confirmed a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 (FSM/β-CD and FSM/β-CD with SLS). The apparent stability constant and complexation efficiencies of significantly enhanced in the presence of SLS. The prepared complexes were evaluated for DSC, PXRD, 1H NMR, and in vitro release studies. The results exhibited a significant enhancement in diuresis in rats. It is evident that the addition of SLS with β-CD significantly enhances the solubilizing efficiencies and hence bioavailability of FSM.

Standardization parameters of modified extracts from Arctostaphylos uva-ursi L. leaves

Topicality. 25 % of the Ukrainian population is prone to the urinary system diseases and 10 % has signs of kidney and bladder chronic diseases. Common bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi L.) leaves are one of the most well-known types of the medicinal plant raw material with the uroantiseptic and diuretic activity. The method of obtaining a decoction from bearberry leaves is well known, but this dosage form is non-standardized, poorly stored, and it is difficult to maintain the accuracy of dosing. Therefore, the development of standardized medicines based on bearberry leaves is a crucial task.Aim. To determine standardization parameters of modified dry extracts from Arctostaphylos uva-ursi L. leaves in accordance with the requirements of the State Pharmacopeia of Ukraine (SPhU) and develop a draft of quality control methods (QCM) for these substances.Materials and methods. The study subjects were dry extracts of bearberry leaves modified with cysteine, phenylalanine, valine, glycine and arginine. For the analysis of the extracts obtained the pharmacopoeial methods were used in accordance with the monographs of the SPhU “Common bearberry leaves”. Identification of biologically active substances (BAS) in the extracts was performed using TLC. The content of hydroquinone derivatives and flavonoids in the extracts was determined by the spectrophotometric method according to the SPhU.Results and discussion. As a result of the research conducted the QCM drafts were developed; and according to their requirements dry extracts of bearberry modified with cysteine, phenylalanine, valine, glycine and arginine were studied. The QCM drafts for dry extracts of bearberry were developed by the following indicators: description, solubility, identification (TLC: method A (hydroquinone derivatives), B (flavonoids) and C (amino acids)), loss on drying (not more than 10 %), residual amounts of organic solvents (ethyl alcohol not more than 1.0 %), heavy metals (not more than 100 ppm), microbiological purity, the content of hydroquinone derivatives (not less than 5 % calculated with reference to arbutin) and flavonoids (not less than 2 % calculated with reference to rutin)). All extracts met the requirements of the documentation developed.Conclusions. The QCM drafts for modified dry extracts of bearberry leaves have been developed; according to their requirements, 5 dry extracts modified with cysteine, glycine, valine, phenylalanine and arginine have been studied. The standardized extracts obtained are promising substances. They can be used for developing dosage forms of new medicines with the uroantiseptic, diuretic and hypoglycemic activity.

Evaluation of Diuretic Activity and Phytochemical Contents of Aqueous Extract of the Shoot Apex of Podocarpus falcactus.

BackgroundIn Ethiopian folk medicine Podocarpus falcactus is used to treat stomachache, cancer, diabetes, and difficulty of urination. However, its diuretic activity has not been proven scientifically.ObjectiveTo determine the diuretic activity and phytochemical contents of the aqueous extract of the shoot apexes of Podocarpus falcactus.MethodsThe coarse powder of Podocarpus falcactus shoot apex was extracted by cold maceration using distilled water. Male rats were treated with distilled water, the standard drug (furosemide 10 mg/kg), and three different doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract. The diuretic activity was determined by measuring parameters such as time to the first urination, volume, electrolyte concentration, and pH of urine. Electrolyte indices were calculated to elucidate the possible mechanism of diuresis. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative determination of phytochemicals in the plant extract was carried out.ResultsThe aqueous extract induced diuresis, natriuresis, and kaliuresis in a dose- and time-dependent manner as compared to the negative control. The extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses produced significant diuresis (p<0.001) by the end of the fifth hour compared to the negative control. Excretion of sodium, potassium, and chloride also significantly (p<0.001) increased following extract administration. In addition, there was a significant change in the pH of urine samples of the extract-treated group compared with the negative control. Qualitative and quantitative determination of phytochemicals revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins with the value of 128.4 mg atropine equivalents (AE)/g, 142.23 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g, 196.84 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g, and 25.5 mg tannic acid equivalents (TAE)/g, respectively. The aqueous extract exhibited significant diuretic activity due to its phytochemical content, which could be used as a starting point for further studies.ConclusionThe aqueous extract showed significant diuretic activity and confirmed the folkloric use of Podocarpus falcactus.

Evaluation of the Diuretic Activity of the Aqueous and 80% Methanol Extracts of Ficus sur Forssk (Moraceae) Leaves in Saline-loaded Rats.

BackgroundAlthough investigations on different pharmacological activities of the experimental plant, Ficus sur have been conducted, its folklore use for diuresis has not yet been validated. The current study, therefore, focused on the diuretic activity of aqueous and 80% methanol extracts of F. sur Forssk. leaves in rats.MethodsRats were randomly assigned into eight groups each consisting of six rats. Test groups received either 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, or 400 mg/kg of aqueous or 80% methanol leaves extract. The negative control group and positive control were treated with 2 mL/100 g of distilled water and furosemide (10 mg/kg), respectively. Thereafter urine volume was recorded every hour until the end of the fifth hour, and cumulative urine volume of each rat was measured. Then, diuretic activity, diuretic index, saliuretic index, natriuretic index and carbonic anhydrase inhibition index in each group were calculated, and results were compared among the groups.ResultsThe middle (200 mg/kg) and the highest (400 mg/kg) doses of both extracts significantly increased diuresis at the fifth hour (p<0.001) compared to the negative control, although the diuretic activity was less than that of the positive control. Regarding electrolyte excretion, all dose levels of both extracts showed significant natriuresis (p<0.001) and chloriuresis (p<0.01) compared to the negative control. Aqueous extract displayed more significant diuretic effect than 80% methanol extract. The aqueous and 80% methanol extracts produced alkaline urine.ConclusionThe crude leaves extracts of F. sur increased urinary excretion and concentration of urinary electrolytes in a dose-dependent manner. These findings are in agreement with the traditional claim for use of F. sur as diuretic agent.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and molecular docking studies of Lanostanoic acid 3-O-α-D-glycopyranoside isolated from Helichrysum stoechas

Helichrysum stoechas has been conventionally used as herbal tea due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and diuretic activities. Ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of the plant (HSE) afforded a lanostane triterpenoid glycoside. The isolated compound was characterized as Lanostan-3β-olyl-26-oic acid 3-O-α-D-glycopyranoside (HS-01) with the help of UV, IR, 1H, 13C NMR and MS spectroscopic techniques. HSE (at 100 and 200 mg/kg doses) and the isolated compound, HS-01 (at 10 mg/kg dose) has been investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities against chemically challenged experimental animal. Both the HSE as well as HS-01 showed a substantial decline in paw volume when compared with the relevant control groups (p < 0.01 & p < 0.001). The HSE and HS-01 also confirms a significant prolongation of the paw licking or jumping towards the Eddy’s hot plate and reduction in quantity of writhes after the introduction of acetic acid in mice (p < 0.01 & p < 0.001). In order to have a better understanding of the binding interactions of HS-01 at molecular level, docking studies were performed with various macromolecular drug targets using AutoDock 4.2 and AutoDock Vina 1.1. Both programs predicted Galectin-3 as most favorable target for HS-01 followed by iNOS, whereas TNFα and COX-2 were among less favorable. Therefore, HS-01 could be developed as suitable therapy against inflammation and associated disorders.

Dual role of reactive oxygen species in autophagy and apoptosis induced by compound PN in prostate cancer cells

Pharbitis nil (L.) Choisy (PN) is used as a traditional herb in East Asia and exhibits anti-parasitic, purgative, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer activity are not well understood. This study aims to elucidate the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated after treatment with the compound PN, on the induction of apoptosis and autophagy, which are pathways that underly the mechanisms of cell death and cell survival in human prostate cancer cells. The MTT assay and western blot analysis were used to assess the effects of compound PN on cell viability and the expression of apoptosis- and autophagy-related proteins in prostate cancer PC-3 cells. The effects of PN on apoptosis (via annexin V/propidium iodide staining), autophagy (via acridine orange staining), and ROS (via DCFH-DA staining) were investigated using flow cytometry. Compound PN induced the production of intracellular and mitochondrial ROS leading to increased apoptosis and autophagy in PC-3 cells. Interestingly, pretreatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), an intracellular ROS scavenger, enhanced compound PN-induced apoptosis, but reduced levels of autophagy. In contrast, pretreatment with diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of mitochondrial ROS, reduced compound PN-induced apoptosis and enhanced autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy led to acceleration of apoptosis in a PN-induced ROS-dependent manner. Compound PN-induced ROS production from two different sources, an intracellular source and mitochondrial source. ROS production in these differing locations had different effects on apoptosis and autophagy. They acted either by promoting cell death or cell survival through regulating autophagy to either escape or enhance apoptotic cell death. This crosstalk between ROS-activated signals in apoptosis and autophagy induction by PN provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of this compound and suggests that PN may be a potential therapy for prostate cancer treatment.

PENGUJIAN EFEKTIVITAS DIURETIK KOMBINASI EKSTRAK ETANOL DAUN AFRIKA (Gymnanthemum amygdalinum Del.) DAN DAUN KELAPA SAWIT (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) PADA TIKUS JANTAN

African Leaf and palm leaf crops have a secondary metabolite content such as alkaloids and flavonoids that are efficacious as diuretics. The purpose of this study is to know the effectiveness of diuretics from the combination African leaf ethanol extract and palm leaf ethanol extract. Methods used Eksperiemental. The test of diuretic activity is conducted divided into 6 treatment groups. Each group consists of 3 tails of white rats. Group 1 (positive control) administered Furosemide 3.6 mg/kgBB, Group 2 (negative control) was given suspension Na-CMC 0.5%, group 3 without treatment as well as groups of 4.5, and 6 in a row administered a combination of African leaf extract doses and extracts Oil palm leaf ethanol in a row of "50 mg/kgBB + 67, 5mg/kgBB"; "100mg/kgBB + 135 mg/kgBB"; and "200 mg/kgBB + 270 mg/kgBB". Each mouse is then given a 20ml NaCl/kgBB as an oral loading dose. Measured urine volume is recorded every hour for 6 hours after it continues to measure urine volume. The results showed that the combination of African leaf ethanol extract dosage and palm leaf ethanol extract had a diuretic effect if it was compared with negative control. The conclusion of the study was the results of the study showed that the combination of African leaf extract dosage and palm leaf extract is the most effective dose of Group 6 (African leaf extract 200 mg/kgBB + palm leaves 270 mg/kgBB ). Because it produces the highest urine volume of 23.01 ml.

Tea and coffee consumption and pathophysiology related to kidney stone formation: a systematic review.

To explore the mechanisms behind the potential protective effect of coffee and tea consumption, regarding urinary stone formation, previously demonstrated in large epidemiological studies. A systematic review was performed using the Medline, Cochrane library (CENTRAL) and Scopus databases, in concordance with the PRISMA statement. English, French and Spanish language studies, regarding the consumption of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and tea, and the relationship to urinary stone formation were reviewed. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, case reports and letters, unpublished studies, posters and comments abstracts were excluded. As per the inclusion criteria, 13 studies were included in the final review. The major findings show that caffeine increases urinary excretion of calcium, sodium and magnesium, in addition to a diuretic action with consumption > 300-360mg (approximately four cups of coffee). Together with other components of coffee, this beverage might have potential protective effects against the formation of urinary stones. Tea exerts many protective effects against stone formation, through the accompanying water intake, the action of caffeine and the effects of components with antioxidant properties. Caffeine has a hypercalciuric effect, balanced partially by a diuretic effect which appears after consumption of large quantities of caffeine. The current available literature supports in general, a potentially protective role for tea against stone formation, mainly for green tea. Additional standardization in this field of research, through specification of tea and coffee types studied, and their respective compositions, is needed for further clarification of the relation between coffee, tea and urinary stones.

Effect of Diterpene Manool on the Arterial Blood Pressure and Vascular Reactivity in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats.

ResumoFundamento:Diversos estudos têm mostrado que as classes de diterpenos exercem efeito significativo no sistema cardiovascular. Os diterpenos, em particular, estão entre os principais compostos associados às propriedades cardiovasculares, como a propriedade vasorrelaxante, inotrópica, diurética e a atividade hipotensora. Embora o mecanismo de vasorrelaxamento do manool seja visível, seu efeito sobre a pressão arterial (PA) ainda é desconhecido.Objetivo:Avaliar o efeito hipotensor in vivo do manool e verificar o efeito de vasorrelaxamento ex vivo em anéis aórticos de ratos.Métodos:Os animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: normotensos e hipertensos. O grupo normotenso foi submetido à cirurgia sham e adotou-se o modelo 2R1C para o grupo hipertenso. Realizou-se monitoramento invasivo da PA para testes com manool em diferentes doses (10, 20 e 40 mg/kg). Foram obtidas curvas de concentração-resposta para o manool nos anéis aórticos, com endotélio pré-contraído com fenilefrina (Phe) após incubação com Nω-nitro-L-arginina metil éster (L-NAME) ou oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalina-1-ona (ODQ). Os níveis plasmáticos de óxido nítrico (NOx) foram medidos por ensaio de quimioluminescência.Resultados:Após a administração de manool, a PA se reduziu nos grupos normotenso e hipertenso, e esse efeito foi inibido pelo L-NAME em animais hipertensos apenas na dose de 10 mg/kg. O manool ex vivo promoveu vasorrelaxamento, inibido pela incubação de L-NAME e ODQ ou remoção do endotélio. Os níveis plasmáticos de NOx aumentaram no grupo hipertenso após a administração de manool. O manool induz o relaxamento vascular dependente do endotélio na aorta de ratos, mediado pela via de sinalização NO/cGMP e redução da PA, e também pelo aumento plasmático de NOx. Esses efeitos combinados podem estar envolvidos na modulação da resistência periférica, contribuindo para o efeito anti-hipertensivo do diterpeno.Conclusão:Esses efeitos em conjunto podem estar envolvidos na modulação da resistência periférica, contribuindo para o efeito anti-hipertensivo do diterpeno.

What Makes Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitors Stand out in Heart Failure?

Purpose of ReviewWe highlight the unique properties of the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2 inhibitors) which may lend favorably to their efficient integration in the background of other heart failure (HF) therapies. We also discuss the unique aspects of SGLT-2 inhibitor dosing, lack of titration needs, effects on kidney function and electrolytes, diuretic activity, and safety in the high-risk peri-hospitalization window.Recent FindingsDapagliflozin was recently approved for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), irrespective of the presence or absence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) based on the findings of the pivotal DAPA-HF trial. All SGLT-2 inhibitors are once daily medications with minimal drug-drug interactions and do not require titration (for HF treatment) unlike other HF medications. SGLT-2 inhibitors offer modest weight loss and blood pressure reduction without major adverse effects of hyperkalemia, making it ideal for near-simultaneous initiation with other HF medications, and use in high-risk populations (including older adults). Moreover, SGLT-2 inhibitors appear to afford long-term kidney protection in diverse populations.SummarySGLT-2 inhibitors are the latest class of therapies to demonstrate important clinical benefits among patients with HFrEF, and their pharmacological properties favor ease of use and integration in multi-drug disease-modifying regimens.

Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle): A Pharmacologically Important Medicinal Plant Species of Himalayan Region

Urtica dioica (Stinging nettle) belonging to the family Urticaceae is a medicinal plantfound in the Himalayas region from Kashmir to Kumaon region (Uttarakhand.). In Himalayan region, this plant is used for the daily purpose as food as well as to serve animals. It contains various phytochemicals like phenolic acid, coumarins, flavanols, bioflavonoids, Flavan-3-ols etc which is used to cure many diseases like arthritis, constipation, Pulmonary, Liver, Intestine, Kidney, Diabetes, Fungal infections, anti-inflammatory, internal injury and wounds. It also has hepatoprotective activity, anti‑hyperlipidemic activity, diuretic activity, antimicrobial activity, anticancer activity. Researchers have reported about 30 species with 47 genera and 1,300 species worldwide used to treat different diseases. Medicinal plants have proved to be the “backbone” of traditional medical system which signifies that developing countries depend upon medicinal plants for therapeutic use.

Nephroprotective and antilithiatic activities of Costus spicatus (Jacq.) Sw.: Ethnopharmacological investigation of a species from the Dourados region, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCostus spicatus (Jacq.) Sw., also known as “cana-do-brejo,” is a species that is widely used in Brazilian traditional medicine for the treatment of kidney diseases. However, no studies have evaluated its nephroprotective and antilithiatic effects. AimTo investigate nephroprotective and antilithiatic effects of C. spicatus in a preclinical model of acute kidney injury (AKI) and in vitro nephrolithiasis. Materials and methodsC. spicatus leaves were collected directly from the natural environment in the Dourados region, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. The ethanol-soluble fraction of C. spicatus (ESCS) was obtained by infusion. Phytochemical characterization was performed by liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and mass spectrometer (LC-DAD-MS). We assessed whether ESCS has acute or prolonged diuretic activity. The nephroprotective effects of ESCS were evaluated in a model of AKI that was induced by glycerol (10 ml/kg, intramuscularly) in Wistar rats. Different doses of ESCS (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) were administered orally for 5 days before the induction of AKI. Urinary parameters were measured on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Twenty-four hours after the last urine collection, blood samples were obtained for the biochemical analysis. Blood pressure levels, renal vascular reactivity, renal tissue redox status, and histopathological changes were measured. Antilithiatic effects were evaluated by in vitro crystallization. Calcium oxalate precipitation was induced by sodium oxalate in urine samples with ESCS at 0.05, 0.5, and 5 mg/ml. ResultsFrom LC-DAD-MS analyses, flavonoids, saponins and other phenolic compounds were determined in the composition of ESCS. Significant reductions of the excretion of urinary total protein, creatinine, sodium, and potassium were observed in the AKI group, with significant histopathological damage (swelling, vacuolization, necrosis, and inflammatory infiltration) in the proximal convoluted tubule. Treatment with ESCS exerted a significant nephroprotective effect by increasing the urinary excretion of total protein, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride. All of the groups that were treated with ESCS exhibited a reduction of histopathological lesions and significant modulation of the tissue redox state. We also observed a concentration-dependent effect of ESCS on the crystallization of urinary crystals, with reductions of the size and proportion of monohydrated crystals. ConclusionThe data suggest that C. spicatus has nephroprotective and antilithiatic effects, suggesting possible effectiveness in its traditional use.