Amides from Piper as a Diuretic: Behind the Ethnopharmacological Uses of Piper glabratum Kunth

Abstract

Several species of the genus Piper are known in Brazilian folk medicine as having diuretic activity. So, we propose to investigate the acute diuretic activity and the possible toxic effects of Piper glabratum Kunth, popularly known as false Jaborandi. Additionally, we propose to check whether there is any correlation between the biological activities of the crude extract (MEPG) and its 2-methoxy-4,5-methylenedioxy-trans-cinnamoyl-pyrrolidine (MMCP) in Wistar rats. The MEPG was fractioned by chromatography column and the MMCP was identified by analyses of 1H and 13C RMN spectral data and correlations. Both MEPG and MMCP were assayed for diuretic activity. The preparations obtained were orally administered in a single dose to rats. The urine excretion, pH, density, conductivity, and content of Na+, K+, Cl−, and HCO3 − were measured in the urine of saline-loaded animals. Additionally, acute toxicity of the extract was also evaluated. MMCP at doses of 30 mg/kg was able to increase the urine volume, pH, and HCO3 − excretion. Moreover, high dosage of MEPG showed important liver toxicity and elevated mortality when injected intraperitoneally. The results indicate that the MMCP shows important diuretic properties when administered in Wistar rats. Additionally, MEPG can induce important acute toxicity if given in high doses.

Essential Oil from Piper aduncum: Chemical Analysis, Antimicrobial Assessment, and Literature Review

“…The Piperaceae family is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions in the northern and southern hemispheres and comprises around 3600 species. The Piper genus constitutes the most represented, with around 2000 species [ 3 ]. In particular, biological properties of essential oils (EOs) from Piper aduncum L. ( Figure 1 ) have been widely studied, including antiprotozoal [ 4 , 5 ], anthelminthic [ 6 ], antioxidant [ 7 ], and insecticidal [ 8 , 9 ] activities.…”

Promising Medicinal Plants with Diuretic Potential Used in Brazil: State of the Art, Challenges, and Prospects

“…The genus Piper, popularly known as "falso-jaborandi" or "pepper plant", has been extensively studied for its potential pharmacological use, due to the presence of promising secondary metabolites. Among the biological effects and the popular use of the genus, the diuretic effect is highlighted [22]. Two species were the subject of more detailed experimental study to assess the possible diuretic effect: P. amalago L. and P. glabratum (Kunth) Steud.…”

“…According to Novaes et al [23] the ethanolic extract of P. amalago leaves showed a diuretic effect at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg, associated with increased excretion of Na + and K + in the urine of NTR. Prando et al [22] investigated the effects of the methanolic extract of the roots of P. glabratum and the 2-me-thoxy4,5-methylenedioxy-trans-cinnamoyl-pyrrolidine compound isolated from the extract. However, the compound only showed significant diuretic effect at the dose of 30 mg/kg.…”

“…One more compound has also been isolated from Brazilian species and has demonstrated diuretic activity of interest. 2-me-thoxy4,5-methylenedioxy-trans-cinnamoyl-pyrrolidine [10], isolated from Piper glabratum Kunth, was also shown to be effective in inducing diuresis (30 mg/kg) associated with urinary HCO 3 − elimination, with no interference in the other parameters [84].…”

Analysis of the Seasonal Variation in Chemical Profile of Piper glabratum Kunth Essential Oils using GC×GC/qMS and Their Antioxidant and Antifungal Activities

“…4 The essential oils from different Piper species commonly found in Brazil have been studied, and have showed a rich chemical composition, as well as biocidal, cytotoxic, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-cholinesterase activities. [5][6][7] Among the Piper species native from Brazil, Piper glabratum Kunth has been little studied, despite its long use in folk medicine, and the studies that have pointed to its prominent diuretic proprieties, 8 as well as its antiparasitic activity against Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi. 9 Additionally, it has been showed that the essential oils possess anti-inflammatory potential and absence of toxicity.…”