Introduction:

Horsetail (Equisetum) is a medicinal plant traditionally used as a diuretic, with Equisetum arvense being the most well-known species. In our country, the species Equisetum giganteum exists, but its long-term effect on diuresis, sodium elimination, and blood pressure in rats has not been extensively investigated.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of prolonged administration of Equisetum giganteum on diuresis, sodium elimination, and blood pressure in male Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty male Wistar rats were divided in two groups: control (water) and experimental (Equisetum giganteum infusion). Diuresis, natriuresis, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured at the beginning and after 16 weeks. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t-test.

Results:

In the horsetail group, a significant increase in 24-hour urinary sodium elimination (p<0.01), a decrease in diuresis at the end, and a decrease in systolic blood pressure (p=0.05) were observed compared to the water group. There was no difference in diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusion:

Prolonged administration of Equisetum giganteum had a diuretic effect with natriuresis, as well as a decrease in diuresis and systolic blood pressure, which indicates hypovolemia, in Wistar rats.

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