Electrical conductivity measurements of urine as a new simplified method to evaluate the diuretic activity of medicinal plants

摘要: Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Diuretic plants are widely used in traditional medicine many countries. However, of these species have not been subjected to experimental studies confirm that property. In this paper, a simple new method is proposed evaluate the diuretic activity plants. We define index takes into account only volume urinary excretion and total ion concentration excreted obtained by specific electrical conductivity measurements. Materials methods Urine was collected graduate cylinder during 8 h after Artemisia thuscula (AT), Withania aristata (WA), Smilax canariensis (SC) HCTZ oral administration laboratory mice. To obtain Power (DP), we measured (κ) fresh urine samples. calculated NaCl (or KCl) aqueous solution has same as sample. multiplied corresponding volume, thus obtaining mEq. electrolyte “as if all were KCl)”. Finally, divided those control DP value. Results showed 40% increase DP, with respect group, independently doses used, studied produced an between 7 28%. values compared other common indexes, DI SIi, showing variation sequence three indexes for HCTZ, WA SC. Conclusions A easy index, called power estimating drugs or proposed. It allows us highlight effect value large amount had previously experimentally studied.