Renal and Metabolic Effects of Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria L.) Extract Compared with Potassium Chloride in Rats Receiving Hydrochlorothiazide

Aims: To determine the influence of Aegopodium podagraria L. aerial part extract on the function of the kidney and the metabolic processes in rats receiving hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, 80 mg/kg).

Study Design: The rats were randomly distributed to five groups: Group I: intact control; Group II: HCTZ; Group III: HCTZ + A. podagraria extract, 100 mg/kg; Group IV: HCTZ + A. podagraria extract, 1 g/kg; Group V: HCTZ + potassium chloride, 60 mg/kg (potassium equivalent).

Place and Duration of Study: Central Scientific-Research Laboratory of National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine, October 2016 – November 2016.

Methodology: At days 21-22, the renal excretory function was analysed, creatinine, uric acid, urea, protein, sodium and potassium level in urine and plasma were determined, glomerular filtration rate, sodium and water reabsorption, sodium proximal and distal transport were calculated. The signs of general toxicity were estimated (relative weights of kidney and liver, plasma marker enzymes).

Results: No signs of HCTZ general toxicity were seen (and the extract did not induce them when combined with HCTZ), while plasma potassium content was reduced, and the tolerance to some of the renal effects developed. Potassium excretion was maximal in the group receiving GW extract at a higher dose in all experiments, while both doses of the extract, as well as potassium chloride, approximated kalemia to the intact control value. The extract (1 g/kg) and potassium chloride supported natriuresis in water-loading test (due to the decrease in distal sodium transport, P = .05) and did not influence on it under the conditions of spontaneous diuresis. The additional favourable properties of the extract are its ability to increase uric acid excretion (at higher dose, P = .05) and to decrease plasma urea level (at both doses, P = .05).

Conclusion: The results substantiate the principial possibility of goutweed extract combined use with HCTZ.