Effect of Opuntia ficus-indica flower infusion on urinary and electrolyte excretion in rats

Diuresis, natriuresis and kaliuresis were measured for 24 h in rats orally treated with different concentrations (1, 2. 5, and 10%) of the O. ficus-indica flower infusion. The same parameters were measured after repeated administration (daily for 21 consecutive days) of the 1 and 10% infusions. In the acute experiment a modest increase in diuresis and natriuresis was observed only with the 1 and 2.5% concentrations, while marked potassium excretion was observed at all concentrations, especially at 1%. On the other hand, repeated administration induced no significant variation in any of the parameters and no toxic symptoms.