Leaf Extracts Of Irvingia Gabonensis Increase Urine Output And Electrolytes In Rats

Abstract

The diuretic effect of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Irvingia gabonensis was assessed in adult wistar rats. Five groups of five adult wistar rats each were used for the study. Ethanol extract of Irvingia gabonensis was administered orally to the first and second groups of rats at doses of 50 and 100mg/kg respectively. The third and fourth groups were given Frusemide (5mg/kg) and Acetazolamide (5mg/kg) while the last group was used as positive control in the study. The parameters used to evaluate the diuretic effect of the different doses of the extract were cumulative urine volume, electrolyte changes and pH. The cumulative urine output was monitored at 3hrly intervals for 24hrs.The diuretic effect was compared with the control, acetazolamide (5mg/kg) and frusemide (5mg/kg). The extract (50 and 100mg/kg) produced a time related increase in urine output. The electrolyte excretion was also affected by the different doses of the extract especially the HCO3 ions. The 50 mg/kg extract produced an increase (P< 0.03) in Cl excretion compared with the control likewise the 100 mg/kg with a significant (P<0.001) increase in Cl excretion. Comparing the urinary excretion of electrolytes produced by the extract with acetazolamide, similar diuretic profile was observed like the pH and the increased excretion of HCO3 . Frusemide, a high ceiling diuretic had no effect on HCO3 , had a different pH but enhanced the urinary excretion of Na, K and Cl. These results suggest that the active ingredient(s) in the ethanol extract of Irvingia gabonensis induces diuretic response comparable to that produced by acetazolamide.