Comparison of hypotensive,diuretic and renal effects between cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica and furosemide

Objective: To investigate the diuretic, hypotensive and renal effect of Opuntia ficusindica in two different species in oral and intravenous administration.Methods: Diuretic activity was evaluated in rats with the plant cladode gel and aqueous extract administrated orally, and was evaluated in rabbits with plant extract administered intravenously. Single and repeated doses of cladode gel or aqueous extract of cladode were tested. Urine volume and blood and urine creatinine, sodium and potassium were measured, and creatinine clearance was calculated. The hypotensive effect of lyophilized extract of cladode was evaluated in rabbits. Two polyethylene PE50 catheters were used:one in the jugular vein for the infusion of the plant extract and the other in the carotid for the evaluation of the arterial pressure.Results: The cladode gel or aqueous extract increased urine volume, creatinine clearance and urinary excretion of sodium and potassium without significant effect on serum creatinine or blood urea. Furosemide, gel and aqueous extract of cladode insignificantly lowered plasma potassium in rats. Intravenous administration of the lyophilized extract caused a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure in rabbits with a significant increase in urine volume and urine sodium and potassium; the effect was dose dependent.Intravenous administration of lyophilized extract did not affect plasma sodium or potassium.Conclusions: Gel and aqueous extract of Opuntia ficus-indica cladode have a significant diuretic effect on rats, and the lyophilized extract has a diuretic and hypotensive effect on normotensive rabbits without deterioration in renal function test. Additional studies on active ingredients are essential to pave the way for clinical studies on diuretic and hypotensive effect of the plant.

Potential effect of Silybum marianum L. and Cistus ladaniferus L.extracts on urine volume, creatinine clearance and renal function

Objective:To investigate the diuretic and renal effects of Silybum marianum L.and Cistus ladaniferus L.in normal rats.Methods:Four groups of rats were used in each experiment.The first group received water,the second group received Cistus ladaniferus L.extract(100 mg/kg b.wt),the third group received Silybum marianum L.extract(100 mg/kg b.wt),and the fourth group received furosemide(10 mg/kg b.wt).Variables including urine volume,plasma and urine sodium,potassium and creatinine,and creatinine clearance were measured.Two experiments were conducted.A single dose of each intervention was used and the variables were measured during 24 h,and the interventions were given daily for a total of 8 d and the variables were measured during various intervals.Results:The single dose of each plant extract increased urine volume at all-time intervals and increased urine sodium and potassium excretion without affecting plasma sodium and potassium(P<0.05).On the day 8 after daily administration,the plant extracts induced a significant diuresis and natriuresis without affecting serum electrolytes(P<0.05),while furosemide caused hypokalemia.Both plant extracts significantly increased creatinine clearance(P<0.05).Conclusions:Silybum marianum L.and Cistus ladaniferus L Increase creatinine clearance and have a significant diuretic effect without affecting serum electrolytes.Silybum marianum L.is more potent than furosemide or Cistus ladaniferus L.