Cardiovascular Effect of Capapris spinosa Aqueous Extract in Rats. Part II: Furosemide-like Effect of Capparis spinosa Aqueous Extract in Normal Rats

The purpose of this study was to examine the diuretic effect of the aqueous extract of Capparis spinosa (Cs) at a dose of 500 mg kg^-1 h^-1 in normal rats. The aqueous extract was administred intravenously and the diuresis was followed within four hours after starting the treatment. Intravenous administration of aqueous Cs extract produced a significant increase on diuresis (p<0.001) and glomerular filtration rate from the second hour of treatment to the fourth hour (p<0.001). In addition, urinary Na+, Cl- and K + were significantly increased after two hours of Cs perfusion (p<0.01). Furosemide at a dose of 0.1 mg kg^-1 h^-1 had similar effect when compared to Cs administration. We conclude that the water extract of Cs fruit exhibited a significant diuretic effect accompanied by in crease in Na+, K+ and Cl- urinary excretion in normal rat. This effect may be mediated via a Furosemide like effect.