AIM OF THE STUDY:

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the acute diuretic activity of continuous intravenous infusion of an aqueous extract of the seed of Coriandrum sativum L. Apiaceae (coriander) in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The aqueous extract of coriander seed was administered by continuous intravenous infusion (120 min) at two doses (40 and 100mg/kg) to anesthetized Wistar rats. Furosemide (10mg/kg), a standard diuretic was used as the reference drug. Excretion of water and electrolytes (sodium, potassium and chloride) in urine was measured, and glomerular filtration rate (equal to creatinine clearance) was determined.

RESULTS:

The crude aqueous extract of coriander seeds increased diuresis, excretion of electrolytes, and glomerular filtration rate in a dose-dependent way; furosemide was more potent as a diuretic and saluretic. The mechanism of action of the plant extract appears to be similar to that of furosemide.

CONCLUSIONS:

The aqueous extract of coriander seed possesses diuretic and saluretic activity, thus, validating the use of coriander as a diuretic plant in Moroccan pharmacopoeia.