Potassium-Sparing diuretic efficacy of Reseda alba extract: In vivo validation and mechanistic insight via molecular docking

Abstract

Synthetic loop diuretics such as Furosemide have side effects, especially hypokalemia. This research involved a phytochemical profile and diuretic activity of the aqueous Reseda alba extract (RAE) in terms of electrolyte homeostasis and Renoprotective. Phytochemical composition was determined by HPLC-DAD. Male Wistar rat (n=24) was placed in control, Furosemide (10mg/kg), and extract-treated (200 and 400mg/kg) groups. Diuretic activity was evaluated concerning urine output acutely (24h) and cumulatively after 20 days. Electrolytes of plasma and urine (Na + , K + , Cl-, renal function indicators urea, creatinine) were quantitatively assessed. Also, an in-silico experiment (molecular docking) was conducted to estimate the binding affinity and the possible diuretic target of the identified phenolic compounds. The extract contains ten phenolic compounds were found by HPLC, with Catechin (9.23%), Gallic acid (8.27%), and P-coumaric acid (7.31 %) being the main ones. At these two doses, Reseda alba was found to significantly increase both the flow of urine and sodium excretion in vivo. More importantly, the extract did not cause any hypokalemia as opposed to Furosemide, which caused severe hypokalemia. Moreover, serum urea and creatinine levels remained within normal physiological ranges, which proved that there was no nephrotoxicity. Reseda alba has a strong, diuretic activity as equivalent to Furosemide with a better safety profile, that is, sparing potassium and leaving renal function intact. These effects probably occur through its abundant phenolic compounds which prove its potential to be a safer medicinal agent.