Chemical composition and diuretic potential of the essential oil of <i>Cymbopogon densiflorus</i> (Steud.) Stapf. (Poaceae) in the mouse

The present study focused on the diuretic activity of the essential oil (EO) of Cymbopogon densiflorus (Steud.) Stapf and the citral (majoritaire compound). The analysis of the chemical composition of this oil by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) made it possible to identify several molecules. It emerges from this study that only EO at 150 mg/kg causes significant diuretic activity (V.U.E = 168.39%) such as furosemide; the latter being modest (V.U.E = 143.62%) for citral at a dose of 75 mg/kg. In treated mice, removal of sodium was significant and potassium was spared compared to mice treated with distilled water. The diuretic effect of EO of C. densiflorus leaves demonstrated in the present study is a mode of action of this plant that justifies its use in traditional medicine against high blood pressure. Keywords : Cymbopogon densiflorus , essential oil, citral, diuretic, diuretic index.