EVALUATION OF DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF CINNAMALDEHYDE IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Abstract

Objective: Cinnamomum is claimed in traditional medicine as a diuretic. Diuretics that are in current use possess serious adverse effects. Thus, there is a need for discovering efficacious and safe diuretics possibly from natural sources. Hence, the study was carried out to scientifically evaluate the diuretic potential of Cinnamaldehyde obtained from Cinnamomum zeylanicum.

Methods: Wistar albino rats weighing 180-270 g of either sex were divided into four groups containing six subjects in each. All were starved for 18 h and hydrated subsequently with oral sodium chloride solution (0.9%). Group, I (control) received normal saline (15 ml per animal orally). Group III, and IV received different doses (250, 500 mg/kg) of Cinnamaldehyde. Rats were placed individually in metabolic cages. Cumulative urine outputs at hourly intervals for six hours, urinary Na+, K+, Cl-, HCO3-, specific gravity, pH and total dissolved solids were determined.

Results: A strong dose-dependent diuretic activity with a rapid onset of action, rapid peak diuresis and short duration of action was observed compared to furosemide. The diuretic action was accompanied with a significant (p<0.05) increase in urinary Na+, HCO3- and pH and decrease in urinary H+. Conclusion: The results indicated that Cinnamaldehyde possesses marked diuretic action compared to furosemide.