Hyponatremic Effect of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Acalypha wilkesiana in Male Wistar Rats

Aims: To evaluate the hyponatremic effect of aqueous leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana in male wistar rats.
Study Design: In vivo study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma Nigeria, between August 2011 and October 2011.
Methodology: Thirty two male wistar rats of average body weights (167.50 ± 5.56 g) were grouped into four (A-D), of eight rats each. Group A received distilled water (control), while constituted doses of 2500, 5000 and 10000 mg/kg body weight of the extract were administered once daily for 14 days to animals in group B, C and D respectively. The effect of administration of this extract on serum sodium ions and weight parameters was evaluated. Serum activities of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase; serum proteins, bilirubin, creatinine, urea, uric acid, potassium, calcium and phosphate ion concentrations were determined.
Results: Significant reductions (p<0.05) were observed in serum sodium ion at doses above 2500 mg/kg body weight and this reduction was significantly dose-dependent up to 10000 mg/kg body weight of the extract. No significant differences (p>0.05) were obtained in all other serum and weight parameters determined.
Conclusion: This extract at the administered doses is safe, and its hyponatremic action suggests that it could be used as a diuretic.