Diuretic Effects of Aqueous Crude Extract of Musanga Cecropioides in Normotensive Sprague Dawely Rat

Abstract

The diuretic effects of the water extract of Musanga cecropioides was investigated to see the mechanism of its reported blood lowering effect. Sprague dawley rats were divided into four groups and giving water, 1.33mg/100ml, 5.3mg/100ml and furosemide (0.6mg/100ml). The water intake and the urine volume were measured and their cation content was determined by flame photometry. Musanga cecropioides extract (1.33mg/100ml) increases urinary output, sodium excretion significantly (p< 0.001) compared to control. There was no significant difference in these parameters between Musanga cecropioides and furosemide. This suggests a diuretic effect. Chemical analysis of the plant shows a flavonoid, tannin, alkaloid, anthraquinone and reducing sugar which alone or in combination may account for this diuretic effect and thus the antihypertensive mechanism.

Keywords: Musanga cecropioides, Diueresis, Hypertension, Urinary output.