Cardiovascular Effect of Capapris spinosa Aqueous Extract in Rats. Part II: Furosemide-like Effect of Capparis spinosa Aqueous Extract in Normal Rats

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the diuretic effect of the aqueous extract of Capparis spinosa (Cs) at a dose of 500 mg kg^-1 h^-1 in normal rats. The aqueous extract was administred intravenously and the diuresis was followed within four hours after starting the treatment. Intravenous administration of aqueous Cs extract produced a significant increase on diuresis (p<0.001) and glomerular filtration rate from the second hour of treatment to the fourth hour (p<0.001). In addition, urinary Na+, Cl- and K + were significantly increased after two hours of Cs perfusion (p<0.01). Furosemide at a dose of 0.1 mg kg^-1 h^-1 had similar effect when compared to Cs administration. We conclude that the water extract of Cs fruit exhibited a significant diuretic effect accompanied by in crease in Na+, K+ and Cl- urinary excretion in normal rat. This effect may be mediated via a Furosemide like effect.