Title:Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Diuretic Plants: An Overview
VOLUME: 23 ISSUE: 8
Author(s):Francislaine Aparecida Livero, Jacqueline Vergutz Menetrier, Emerson Luiz Botelho Lourenco and Arquimedes Gasparotto Junior*
Affiliation:Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Paranaense University, Umuarama, PR, Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Products, Paranaense University, Umuarama, PR, Laboratory of Electrophysiology and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Rodovia Dourados-Itahum, Dourados, MS
Keywords:Diuretic, hypertension, kaliuretic, medicinal plants, natural products, natriuretic.
Abstract:Heart failure, hypertension, cirrhosis and nephritic syndrome are among conditions that alter volume
and composition of body fluids and are modulated by diuretics. Natural products are important source of diuretics
and have been considered remarkable alternative with greater effectiveness and fewer side effects. However,
many of these plants used in traditional medicine must be scientifically assessed about their efficacy and toxicity.
Despite the large number of published articles claiming that plants or plant-derived components may act as diuretic
agents, few studies have addressed the mechanism of action of medicinal plants. Thus, the aim of this review
was to provide an overview of the current knowledge about the major cellular and molecular mechanisms of
diuretic plants and/or their main compounds. Many well-established mechanisms (water channels, renal carriers,
nitric oxide-cGMP and prostaglandin-cAMP pathways, renin-angiotensin and kinin-kallikrein systems, carbonic
anhydrase, and osmotic effects), along with other newly identified targets, are connected to the diuretic activity of
many natural products. However, the central path responsible for the activity of these agents remains unclear.
Further studies may help clarifying the central role of each of these pathways in the pleiotropic response of these
agents.
