Diuretic activity of Sambucus nigra L. ssp. palmensis (Link) R. Bolli, an endemic Canary Islands species

Abstract

To determine the diuretic activity of Sambucus nigra L. ssp. palmensis (Link) R. Bolli (SP). SP was evaluated in adult female Swiss mice. Urinary excretion volume was measured and the concentration of sodium, potassium, chloride, pH and specific conductance of 3 doses of aqueous extract (35.0, 52.2 and 70.0 mg kg-1) were determined. SP (70.0 mg kg-1) produced a higher urinary excretion (6.41 mL) and diuretic index (15%) than hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (6.27 mL and 12%, respectively). The saluretic index indicates a lower sodium excretion than HCTZ (13%) and inversely proportional to the dose (8% - 5%). The same is observed for potassium excretion (0.0172-0.0162 mEq.K+/100 g/6 h), which achieves a lower value than the control group (0.0166 mEq.K+/100 g/6 h), suggesting potassium retention. These results support the use of this plant species as a diuretic in Canarian folk medicine.