Diuretic Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Green Tea Leaves

Abstract

The use of diuretics is needed in situations that require increased liquid excretory, one of which is hypertension. Green tea leaves are natural ingredients containing catechin polyphenols (flavonoids). This study aims to determine the diuretic effect of the aqueous extract of green tea leaves (AEGTL). This experimental study using 35 Swiss male mice was divided into seven groups. Group I was given CMC Na 1%, group II was given a dose of furosemide 5.2 mg/kg body weight, and group III-VII was given an aqueous extract of green tea leaves with doses of 14, 28, 42, 56 and 70 mg/kg body weight. Before treatment, all mice were given lukewarm water orally as much as 0.4 ml/20 kg body weight. Diuretic effects were tested by measuring the urine volume, measurements taken for 6 hours then calculated diuretic activity. From the results of the study obtained the diuretic activity of furosemide is 1.00, and for groups, III-VII was given AEGTL respectively 0.53, 0.57, 0.60, 0.71, and 0.91. Green tea causes an increase in glomerular filtration rates by increasing blood flow and cardiac output, which may contribute to the diuretic activity. It can be concluded that AEGTL doses 70mg/kg body weight have a diuretic activity that is equivalent to furosemide (p <0.05). Keywords— diuretic, aqueous extract, green tea leaves