The traditional use of Zhu Ling (P. umbellatus) as a diuretic is confirmed by animal experiments.

Abstract

AIM AND STUDY: Zhuling, sclerotia of Polyporus umbellatus FRIES,a Traditional Chinese Medicine, has long been used as a diuretic. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diuretic effect on the urinary electrolyte concentration(Na(+), K(+), Cl(-))and regulation of the relative mRNA expression of aquaporin-1(AQP1), aquaporin-2(AQP2), aquaporin-3(AQP3) and vasopressin V(2) receptor (V(2)R)post oral administration of sclerotia of P.umbellata aqueous extract in normal rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aqueous extract of sclerotia of Polyporus umbellatus (50mg/kg, 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg) or the reference drug, furosemide (10mg/kg) were administrated orally to male SD rats and their urine output was quantified and collected 24h and 8days after the treatment. The kidney medulla AQP1, AQP2, AQP3 and V(2)R mRNA relative expressions were measured with RT-PCR. RESULTS: After single dose of the exact of sclerotia of P.umbellata, urine output was found to be significantly increased, which began at 4h, and at 24h after the treatment, the sclerotia of Polyporus umbellatus extract and furosemide treatment produced the similar total volume of urine excreted. The extract increase urinary levels of Na(+), K(+), Cl(-), to about the same extent, while furosemide increased urinary levels of Na(+) and Cl-. After the 8-day doses, all two substances induced significant diuresis, natriuresis and chloriuresis. These two substances don't regulate the AQP1 and AQP3 mRNA level in normal rat kidney medulla. The AQP2 mRNA level of sclerotia of P.umbellata extract was down-regulated significantly, the V(2)R mRNA level of sclerotia of P.umbellata extract 50mg/kg dose group and 250mg/kg dose group were down-regulated significantly too. Interestingly, the low-dose group had higher effect on regulation of AQP2 and V(2)R mRNA level. CONCLUSION: Aqueous extract of sclerotia of Polyporus umbellatus has conspicuous diuretic effect confirming its ethnopharmacological use. From the pattern of excretion of water, sodium, potassium, cholorine, AQP2 and V2R mRNA level, it may be logically concluded that it has effect from down-regulating AQP2, and down-regulate AQP2 by down-regulating V(2)R.