Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial to Assess the Acute Diuretic Effect of Equisetum arvense (Field Horsetail) in Healthy Volunteers.
In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 36 healthy male volunteers were randomly distributed into three groups (n = 12) that underwent a three-step treatment. For four consecutive days, we alternately administered a standardized dried extract of Equisetum arvense (EADE, 900 mg/day), placebo (corn starch, 900 mg/day), or hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg/day), separated by a 10-day washout period. Each volunteer served as his own control, and the groups' results were compared. We repeated the same evaluation after each stage of treatment to evaluate the safety of the drug. The diuretic effect of EADE was assessed by monitoring the volunteers' water balance over a 24 h period. The E. arvense extract produced a diuretic effect that was stronger than that of the negative control and was equivalent to that of hydrochlorothiazide without causing significant changes in the elimination of electrolytes. There was no significant increase in the urinary elimination of catabolites. Rare minor adverse events were reported. The clinical examinations and laboratory tests showed no changes before or after the experiment, suggesting that the drug is safe for acute use. Further research is needed to better clarify the mechanism of diuretic action and the other possible pharmacological actions of this phytomedicine.
Group of Toxicopharmacological Studies and Research, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goias, Avenida Universitária, Q. 62, Setor Universitário, 74605-220 Goiânia, GO, Brazil ; Hospital of Alternative Medicine, State Health Secretary of Goiás, Unified Health System, Rodovia BR-153, Km 8, Bairro Santo Antônio, 74853-040 Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
Danilo Maciel
DM
Carneiro
Group of Toxicopharmacological Studies and Research, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goias, Avenida Universitária, Q. 62, Setor Universitário, 74605-220 Goiânia, GO, Brazil ; Romulo Rocha Center of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, UFG, Avenida Universitária c/1a Avenida, Q. 62, Setor Universitário,74605-220 Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
Ramias Calixto
RC
Freire
Group of Toxicopharmacological Studies and Research, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goias, Avenida Universitária, Q. 62, Setor Universitário, 74605-220 Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
Tereza Cristina de Deus
TC
Honório
Group of Toxicopharmacological Studies and Research, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goias, Avenida Universitária, Q. 62, Setor Universitário, 74605-220 Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
Iury
I
Zoghaib
Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rua João de Abreu Esquina c/Rua 09 No. 192 Qd. F-8, Lt. 24E, Sala A-141 a A-147, Setor Oeste, 74175-100 Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
Fabiana Fernandes de S E Silva
FF
Cardoso
Group of Toxicopharmacological Studies and Research, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goias, Avenida Universitária, Q. 62, Setor Universitário, 74605-220 Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
Leonice Manrique F
LM
Tresvenzol
Group of Toxicopharmacological Studies and Research, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goias, Avenida Universitária, Q. 62, Setor Universitário, 74605-220 Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
José Realino
JR
de Paula
Arterial Hypertension League of Federal University of Goias, School of Medicine of the Federal University of Goias (UFG), Rua 235 c/1a Avenida s/n, Setor Universitário, 74605-220 Goiânia, GO, Brazil ; School of Nursing of the Federal University of Goias (UFG), Rua 235 c/1a Avenida, s/n, Setor Universitário, 74605-220 Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
Ana Luiza Lima
AL
Sousa
Arterial Hypertension League of Federal University of Goias, School of Medicine of the Federal University of Goias (UFG), Rua 235 c/1a Avenida s/n, Setor Universitário, 74605-220 Goiânia, GO, Brazil ; School of Medicine of the Federal University of Goias (UFG), Rua 235 c/1a Avenida, s/n, Setor Universitário, 74605-220 Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
Paulo César Brandão Veiga
PC
Jardim
Group of Toxicopharmacological Studies and Research, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Goias, Avenida Universitária, Q. 62, Setor Universitário, 74605-220 Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
Luiz Carlos
LC
da Cunha