Diuretic activity of aqueous extract and betulin from Colliguaja integerrima in rats.

Five known compounds were isolated from the aerial parts of Colliguaja integerrima Gillies & Hook (Euphorbiaceae). A pharmacological evaluation of the diuretic activity of the plant was carried out in isotonic saline-loaded rats. The data reported in the present work indicate that the aqueous extract of the aerial parts from C. integerrima showed a moderate diuretic activity. The urinary levels of sodium and potassium are increased by treatment with C. integerima aqueous extract. This activity could be due, in part, to the presence of betulin isolated as the major metabolite of C. integerrima.