Assessment of diuretic activity of hydro alcoholic extract of Sechium edule (Jacq.) SW. (CUCURBITACEAE) fruit in rat

This work aimed to assess the diuretic activity of the hydro alcoholic extract of Sechium edule fruit. Its effect on diuresis was evaluated by measuring the urinary volume of 24 h, while its site of action was determined by measuring the urinary pH and dosing urinary sodium and potassium. It was administered orally at doses 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. Our results indicate that it increases the 24 h urinary volume from 3.7 ± 0.4 ml in control group to 5.2 ± 0.2, 7.3 ± 2. 3 and 8.4 ± 2.4 ml in the groups treated with the extract at doses 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg respectively (p<0.05). It also increases the natriuria and kaliuria. Natriuria increases from 0.54 ± 0.02 mEq/L in control group to 0.74 ± 0.02, 0.86 ± 0.04 and 1.16 ± 0.09 mEq/L in group treated with extract at doses 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg respectively (p < 0.05), while kaliuria increases from 0.35 ± 0.03 mEq/L in control group to 0.52 ± 0.02, 0.65 ± 0.03 and 0.92 ± 0.02 mEq/L in group treated with the extract at doses 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg respectively (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the extract does not affect the urinary pH which is equal to 8.616 ± 0.016 in control group, and 8.72 ± 0.02, 8.743 ± 0,05 and 8.793 ± 0.05 in groups treated with the extract (NS).

These results indicate that S. edule fruit possesses diuretic activity, acting on Henle loop or dilution zone. Phyto screening performed on the extract revealed the presence of polysaccharides, steroids, triterpenes, alkaloids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids.