Diuretic activity of Artemisia thuscula, an endemic canary species

A pharmacological evaluation for diuretic activity of infusions at 5, 10 and 15% of Artemisia thuscula Cav. was carried out. Urinary excretion of water, pH, density, conductivity and Na+, K+ and Cl- content were investigated in saline-loaded rats. The infusions showed a dose-dependent decrease diuretic effect, but augmented significantly with respect to the control group for the urinary excretion of water and sodium. Furthermore, a potassium-sparing effect at 5 and 10% was showed. The diuretic effect does not seem to be related to the potassium content of the starting material. The results justify the use of Artemisia thuscula as diuretic agent by the canary traditional medicine. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.