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[Evaluation of three plants with potential diuretic effect]
S M Laranja1, C M Bergamaschi, N Schor
1Disc. de Nefrol. da Esc. Paul. de Med., São Paulo.
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Alpina speciosa showed a mild diuretic effect and reduced blood pressure in healthy volunteers. Elephantopus scaber and Tradescantia diuretica did not demonstrate significant diuretic or renal effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Herbal Medicine
- Nephrology
Background:
- Natural products are widely used for their potential health benefits, including diuretic properties.
- Traditional medicine often employs herbs like Elephantopus scaber, Alpina speciosa, and Tradescantia diuretica for their purported diuretic effects.
- Scientific validation of these traditional uses is crucial for understanding their efficacy and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute diuretic and renal effects of three natural products: Elephantopus scaber, Alpina speciosa, and Tradescantia diuretica.
- To compare the effects of these natural products against a placebo in healthy human volunteers.
- To assess the impact on key urinary and plasmatic parameters, including electrolytes and renal function markers.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 10 healthy volunteers.
- Acute administration of Elephantopus scaber, Alpina speciosa, and Tradescantia diuretica at doses five times higher than commonly recommended.
- Monitoring of physical examinations, plasmatic, and urinary parameters (sodium, potassium, uric acid, calcium, phosphate, urea, creatinine, total urinary volume).
Main Results:
- Alpina speciosa demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in diuresis.
- Alpina speciosa administration was associated with a reduction in both diastolic (p < 0.05) and systolic (p < 0.01) blood pressure.
- No significant effects on electrolytes or renal function parameters were observed for any of the tested natural products, suggesting no tubular or glomerular action.
Conclusions:
- Alpina speciosa exhibits a mild diuretic effect and may possess antihypertensive properties.
- Elephantopus scaber and Tradescantia diuretica did not show significant diuretic activity or influence on renal function parameters in this study.
- The tested natural products, at the doses administered, do not appear to significantly alter electrolyte balance or kidney function in healthy individuals.