Hydroalcoholic extract from Syagrus cocoides Martius almonds (ariri coconut) induces diuretic effects in rodents

Recent studies point to the great biotechnological potential of Syagrus cocoides as a tool for treating cardiovascular disorders.

Evaluate the diuretic activity of the extract of S. cocoides Martius almonds (SYA) in normotensive Wistar rats.

The animals received distilled water (10 mL/Kg, orally) and were placed individually in metabolic cages. The animals were randomized into 4 groups: Group I, the health control, received distilled water (0.01 g/Kg), Group II, treated with the standard drug (Furosemide 0.01 g/Kg) and Group III and IV, treated with SYA by gavage over 7 consecutive days, in a single daily dose. The doses of SYA were 0.1 g/Kg and 0.3 g/Kg, respectively. Serum and urine biochemical parameters were assessed. Urinary electrolytes were measured, and Natriuretic Activity (NA), Saliuretic Activity (AS), and Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitory Activity (CAI) were determined.

The phytochemical study of SYA showed it to be rich in phenols and flavonoids, with high antioxidant activity. Regarding serum biochemical parameters, only a slight increase in glycemia was observed in the SYA 0.3 g/Kg group (113.4 ± 6.55 mg/dL). About electrolyte excretion, SYA in rats treated with 0.3 g/Kg produced greater K⁺ excretion when compared to the group treated with Furosemide 0.01 g/Kg (p = 0.04) and showed an increase in Cl^- excretion compared to the Control group, Furosemide and SYA-0.1 g/Kg (p < 0.05). All test doses of SYA produced a CAI index <0.8. The treatment did not cause significant changes in weight gain, water and feed consumption, density, and urinary pH. On the 6th day of treatment, the two groups treated with the extract showed greater diuretic activity when compared to the Control group (p < 0.05). On the 7th day, dose-dependent diuretic activity was observed.

These findings support the potential of S. cocoides as a promising natural agent for diuretic therapy and warrant further investigation into its mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications.