Diuretic and Anti-Hypertensive Activity of Clerodendrum Chinense (OSBECK) MABB. Aqueous Extract in 8% Salt Diet-Induced Hypertensive Rats

Abstract

Joy I Odimegwu, Tolulope F Okanlawon, Oluwakayode Ezekiel Olatunji and Ishola Ismail

Diuresis refers to an increase in the rate of urine flow and sodium excretion from the system via the urine. It is a necessary excretory process that may prove difficult for some disease systems e.g. enlarged prostates. Hypertension occurs as a result of systolic blood pressure higher than 140 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure higher than 90 mmHg. It is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting more than a billion people worldwide. A high dietary sodium intake is one of the factors associated with the development of hypertension. Clerodendrum chinensis is used by local communities in West Africa for its diuretic and anti-hypertensive properties. We analyze the phytochemical properties of the mixed leaf, root, and stem aqueous extract of the plant and investigate its anti-hypertensive and diuretic activity in Sodium chloride diet-induced hypertensive rats. The anti-hypertensive effect of extract at different concentrations (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) was studied and compared with a known drug compound; Furosemide. Treated animal urine was analyzed for urinary excretion and diuretic action. The anti-hypertensive effect was statistically significant when compared with the control p < 0.001. The extract at 100mg/kg demonstrated the best systolic and diastolic blood pressure lowering potential as compared to other concentrations. The diuretic action of the plant extract at the lowest dose (100 mg/kg) was high and quantitatively similar to the standard drug. The combined powdered leaf, stem and roots aqueous extract of C. chinense possesses anti-hypertensive and diuretic potential in salt-loaded hypertensive rats.

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