DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF EUGENIA UNIFLORA L. (MYRTACEAE) AQUEOUS EXTRACT

The total aqueous extract, and its major fraction of Eugenia uniflora L. leaves were studied in order to determine some type of diuretic activity in mice that could support its claimed use as an hypotensive agent in folk medicine. Statistically significant diuretic action in relation to controls was found one hour after administration of the crude extract (0.24 mg/kg, P<0.05). The major fraction of the extract exhibited diuretic activity two hours after administration (0.24 mg/kg; P=0.08). By chromatographic and spectrophotometrical standard methods three compounds are found to be present in this fraction.