Exotic Medicinal Plants Used in Brazil with Diuretic Properties: A Review

Abstract

Several exotic plants (non‐native) are used in Brazilian traditional medicine and are known worldwide for their possible diuretic actions. Among the wide variety of plants, standing out Achillea millefolium L., Camellia sinensis L. Kuntze, Crocus sativus L., Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn., Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) A.W. Hill, Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber, and Urtica dioica L., whose effects have already been the subject of some scientific study. In addition, we also discussed other exotic species in Brazil used popularly, but that still lack scientific studies, like the species Arctium lappa L., Carica papaya L., Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don, Centella asiatica (L.) Urb, Citrus aurantium L., and Persea americana Mill. However, generally, clinical studies on these plants are scarce. In this context, different plant species can be designated for further comprehensive studies, therefore, promoting support for developing an effective medicine to induce diuresis.

Cardiovascular Effects of Nigella Sativa on Isolated Rabbit Heart and its Impact on Cardiac Remodeling

“…18 The bradycardia at low dose and tachycardia at high dose are related with the calcium channel blocking effects of NS as confirmed by various other studies. [19][20][21] Positive inotropic effects were observed in our study. Sequence of molecular, biochemical and mechanical events can lead to heart failure, myocyte hypertrophy.…”

Dose‐Dependent Dual Effect ofMorus nigraL. Extract on Urinary Parameters of Hypertensive Rats

“…Several medicinal plants are used in folk medicine to induce diuresis, and some of them have already been reported in the literature proving their effectiveness in preclinical studies. [1,2] Despite the lack of data regarding the diuretic effect of M. nigra, Yamatake et al (1976) [8] described the diuretic effect of M. alba in rats. Besides, Lim and Choi (2019) [6] described the main biological findings of this species, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic activities.…”

“…Natural products are commonly used by the world population, in the preparation of food and beverages and for the treatment of various diseases. Medicinal plants are widely applied to induce diuresis [1,2] and to prevent or treat kidney stones. [3,4] Despite the variety of pharmacological options for treating and preventing these disorders, it is still necessary to explore other alternatives that can contribute therapeutically, either alone or in a complementary way, to make the treatment more effective and less harmful to the body.…”

Diuretic and Natriuretic Effects of Hesperidin, a Flavanone Glycoside, in Female and Male Hypertensive Rats

“…Meanwhile, the ability to modulate the hydro electrolyte balance makes diuretic drugs helpful in treating a range of ailments, including heart failure, hypertension, hepatic cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, and other edematous diseases [ 3 , 4 ]. Different compounds isolated from plants have already been reported to induce diuresis in experimental studies [ 12 , 13 ]. However, despite the various pharmacological activities already described for hesperidin, this is the first report of its possible diuretic effect.…”