Diuretic activity assessment of an aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum gilletii (Rutaceae) stem bark in rats

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Research Paper 10/06/2026
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Diuretic activity assessment of an aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum gilletii (Rutaceae) stem bark in rats

Akoua Jeanne Kanga*, Essoi Kouametchi Hermann, Françoise Assamala Fossou, Kacou Jules Marius Djetouan, Kouao Augustin Amonkan
Int. J. Biosci. 28(6), 68-74, June 2026.
Copyright Statement: Copyright 2026; The Author(s).
License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Abstract

Recent analyses have highlighted Zanthoxylum gilletii richness in phytochemical compounds known for their essential role in renal and cardiovascular function. This study aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition, acute oral toxicity, and diuretic activity of an aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum gilletii stem bark (EAZg). The acute toxicity test was performed according to OCDE guidelines No. 423, with doses of 300, 500, and 2000 mg/kg BW. The aqueous extract (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg BW) was administered orally to rats to study the dose-response effect. Next, the dose of 200 mg/kg BW of EAZg was used for comparison with a group receiving furosemide (20 mg/kg BW) and a control group. The time to first urination was recorded, and urine volume was collected over 24 hours for each group of rats and urine’s electrolytes determined. Aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum gilletii stem bark  (EAZg) contain flavonoids, polyphenols, saponines, sterols and triterpenoids. At the single dose of 2000 mg/kg, revealed no lethal effects. The results highlighted progressive and significant increase in urinary excretion and a reduction of  the time of the first urination in treated rats at 200 mg/kg BW of EAZg and furosemide at 20 mg/kg BW) compared to control group (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). Excretion of sodium in furosemide group, and potassium in both groups, also significantly (p < 0. 05; p < 0.01) increased with the low kaliuresis observed in EAZg group (p < 0.01; p< 0.05). These results highlight its potentials for the development of new therapeutic agents for renal and cardiovascular deseases.

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