Codonopsis Radix modulates water and electrolytes homeostasis in mice

Codonopsis Radix is a traditional Chinese medicine best known for its effects in treating digestive, cardiovascular, immunological and hematopoitic diseases. It also appears in the traditional Chinese medical prescriptions against ascites. However, the physiological effect and molecular mechanism of Codonopsis Radix in water and electrolytes homeostasis have not been well studied. We found that Codonopsis Radix decoction increased water intake and the urine volume, but decreased food intake in mice. The treatment significantly reduced angiotensin II receptor (AT1R) transcription and serum aldosterone level in animals, suggested perturbed function of renin-angiotensin system. RNAseq analysis of Codonopsis Radix treated NCI–H295R cells detected suppressed AT1R, SP1, and TEF transcription as well. Thus, Codonopsis Radix may regulate water and electrolytes homeostasis by affecting AT1R expression and aldosterone biosynthesis, possibly through downregulating SP1 and TEF transcription.