Diuretic activity of the stem-bark extracts of Steganotaenia araliacea hochst [Apiaceae].

The diuretic activity of the stem-bark extracts of Steganotaenia araliacea (SbESa) and effects on urine electrolytes in rats was studied. Furthermore, a toxicological effect of the SbESa on several tissues was investigated. Groups of male Wister albino rats (170 +/- 0.77 g) were employed. Four doses of 20mg/kg body weight (b.w.), of SbESa (water, methanol, ethanol) and furosemide were administered intraperitoneally (IP). The control group received normal saline alone by oral administration. The 24-h urine outputs per day (in ml) were: normal saline (1.57 +/- 0.11); water extract (3.18 +/- 0.24); methanol extract (3.22 +/- 0.29); ethanol extract (3.62 +/- 0.27) and furosemide (4.22 +/- 0.23). The urine output among the extracts (water, methanol, ethanol) and the furosemide against the control was statistically significant, (P < 0.05), (P < 0.05), (P < 0.02), and (P < 0.01), respectively. The ethanol preparation gave the highest diuretic activity among the extracts. There was marked increase in K(+) ion excretion (122 +/- 7.3 mMol/l) in the ethanol extract as compared to control (95.8 +/- 1.2 mMol/l) and furosemide (standard) (90.05 +/- 0.1 mMol/l). The LD(50) of 1.75 g/kg body weight was observed and the histopathological examination reveals damage to vital organs. The authors conclude that though there are compelling evidence of diuretic potentials in the use of the stem-bark of Steganotaenia araliacea, the toxic effects on vital organs is a drawback to its recommendation for use as a diuretic agent.