Diuresis refers to increase in the rate of urine flow and sodium excretion from the system via the urine. It is a necessary excretory process that may prove difficult for some disease systems e.g. enlarged prostates. Hypertension occurs as a result of systolic blood pressure higher than 140 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure higher than 90 mmHg. It is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting more a billion people worldwide. A high dietary sodium intake is one of the factors associated with the development of hypertension. Clerodendrum chinensis is used by local communities in West Africa for its diuretic and anti-hypertensive properties. We analyse the phytochemical properties of the mixed leaf, root and stem aqueous extract of the plant and investigate its anti-hypertensive and diuretic activity in Sodium chloride diet induced hypertensive rats. The anti-hypertensive effect of extract at different concentrations (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) was studied and compared with known drug compound; Furosemide. Treated animal urine was analyzed for urinary excretion and diuretic action. The anti-hypertensive effect was statistically significant when compared with the control p < 0.001. The extract at 100mg/kg demonstrated the best systolic and diastolic blood pressure lowering potential as compared to other concentrations. The diuretic action of the plant extract at the lowest dose (100 mg/kg) was high and quantitatively similar to the standard drug. The combined powdered leaf, stem and roots aqueous extract of C. chinense possesses anti-hypertensive and diuretic potential in salt loaded hypertensive rats.

BackgroundThe rise in occurrence of hypertension, a non-communicable disease and a major factor for chronic renal failure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, which most times lead to sudden death is worrisome. Resistant hypertension is more common and may have no symptoms at all for months or years, but then can cause heart attack, stroke, and vision and kidney damage. Prevention and quick management of hypertension are therefore essential in reducing the risk of these debilitating ailments. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Clerodendrum chinensis (AeC and EeC) are used by local communities of West Africa as medicine for rapid antihypertensive actions. We aim to discover the scientific basis for the use of the herb as medicine.MethodsThis work investigates the antihypertensive effects of AeC and EeC in L-Arginine Methyl Ester Hydrochloride (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats Acetylcholine, L-Arginine and Sodium Nitroprusside were used as standards. All results were expressed as means ± standard error of mean. Differences were considered significant at p <0.05.ResultsIntravenous administration of the extracts caused a significant decrease in the Mean Arterial Blood Pressure (MABP) in a dose-dependent manner. AeC at 100mg/kg caused a significant decline in blood pressure in a dose-related manner. Likewise at 100mg/kg, EeC reduced MABP steadily from 103.9± 2.55 to 34.1± 0.95mmHg. The two extracts; possess significant antihypertensive properties.ConclusionsBoth extracts show significant antihypertensive effects and at high doses could lead to hypotension and so should be used with care. Further research is necessary to determine safe dosage forms.

Background:The rise in the occurrence of hypertension, a non-communicable disease and a major factor for chronic renal failure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, which most times lead to sudden death is worrisome. Resistant hypertension is more common and may have no symptoms at all for months or years, but then can cause heart attack, stroke, and vision and kidney damage. Prevention and quick management of hypertension is therefore essential in reducing the risk of these debilitating ailments. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Clerodendrum chinensis (AeC and EeC) are used by local communities of West Africa as medicine for rapid anti-hypertensive actions. We aim to discover the scientific basis for the use of the herb as medicine.Methods: This work investigates the anti-hypertensive effects of AeC and EeC in L-Arginine Methyl Ester Hydrochloride (L-NAME)induced hypertensive rats Acetylcholine, L-Arginine and Sodium Nitroprusside were used as standards. All results were expressed as means ± standard error of mean. Differences were considered significant at p<0.05.Results: Intravenous administration of the extracts caused a significant decrease in the Mean Arterial Blood Pressure (MABP) in a dose-dependent manner. AeC at 100 mg/kg caused a significant decline in blood pressure in a dose-related manner. Likewise, at 100 mg/kg, EeC reduced MABP steadily from 103.9 ± 2.55 to 34.1 ± 0.95mmHg. The two extracts; possess significant anti-hypertensive properties. Conclusions:Both extracts show significant anti-hypertensive effects and at high doses could lead to hypotension and so should be used with care. Further research is necessary to determine safe dosage forms.