Abstract

DIURETIC AND SALIDIURETIC EFFECT OF BARK AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF ERYTHROPHLEUM AFRICANUM (FABACEAE) IN WISTAR RATS

Irié Bi Jean Séverin*, Kahou Bi Gohi Parfait, Kambiré Sansan, Néné Bi Sémi Anthelme, Abo Kouakou Jean-Claude

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Erythrophleum africanum is a plant whose bark is used in traditional medicine as a diuretic and in the treatment of high blood pressure. The objective of this study is to evaluate the diuretic effect of the aqueous extract of the bark of Erythrophleum africanum (EAf). The diuretic dose-response study of EAf is carried out in rats placed on 1.8% saline overload while determining the chemical compounds of the extract and its acute toxicity. Results: The results indicate that the LD50 dose is greater than 5000 mg/kg B.W. The phytochemical screening shows that EAf contains sterols and polyterpens, polyphenols, flavonoids, saponosides, alkaloids and gallic tannins. The extract causes a dose-dependent reduction in the Time of First Urination (FMT) and a dose-dependent increase in urinary volume over 24 hours with maximum values for the dose of 1500 mg/kg B.W. (28.67 ± 0. 47 min and 15.28 ± 0.80 mL). The compared diuretic effects of 1500 mg/kg B.W. of EAf and diuretics indicate the pH of theurine obtained with the extract is basic just like diuretics. All substances lead to a significant increase (p < 0.001) in urinary volume over 24 hours. Volumetric Urinary Excretion (VUE) is greater than 150% for EAf and the reference substances with a FMT close to those of Esidrex and Furosemide. EAf increased significantly (p<0,001) Na+, Cl- and K+ urinary concentration just like Furosemide and Esidrex Conclusion: These results show that EAf is non-toxic orally and has significant diuretic and salidiuretic activity with chemical compounds supporting this effect. All this would therefore justify its traditional use as a diuretic.

Keywords: Erythrophleum africanum, phytochemical screening, acute toxicity, diuretic.