The diuretic effect of ethyl acetate fractions of Artocarpus altilis, Artocarpus champeden, and Artocarpus heterophyllus leaves in normotensive Wistar rats

BACKGROUND: Artocarpus altilis, A. Champeden, and Artocarpus heterophylus are popular species in Indonesia, and are commonly used as traditional medicine. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the diuretic effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of these three species on normotensive Wistar rats. METHODS: The ethyl acetate fraction was prepared by a liquid–liquid extraction method. To evaluate diuretic effects, the sixty rats were divided into normal (distilled water), negative (4.5% NaCl), positive control (furosemide 5 mg/kg), and the testing groups. The testing groups were orally given the ethyl acetate fraction of A. altilis, Artocarpus champeden, and A. heterophylus at three dose levels of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. All animals were orally given 4.5% NaCl at a dose of 2 mL/200 g except the normal group; then the animals were given drugs according to group doses. Urine volume and electrolyte levels produced by the testing groups were compared to those of the control group. The concentration and ratio of ions were calculated to determine the natriuretic and carbonic anhydrase activities. Results: The ethyl acetate fractions of the three Artocarpus species at 100 mg/kg dose were more active than the standard furosemide (p < 0.05) to increase urinary excretion. Furthermore, at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, the fraction significantly increased the excretion of Na(+,) K(+), and Cl(-) ions more than the standard (p < 0.05). The testing groups showed good natriuretic and carbonic anhydrase activities. CONCLUSIONS: The ethyl acetate fraction of A. altilis, A. champeden, and A. heterophylus leaves performed good diuretic and natriuretic activities. Therefore, the fractions can be considered as potential natural diuretic medicines.