Abstract
In order to examine that the effect of Sam Hwa San, circulating the vital energy of Sam Cho and controlling body fluid metabolism, gives any influence on renal function, changes in the urine flow, eletrolytes excretion, plasma aldosterone concentration and renin activity were observed after intravenous infusion of the Sam Hwa San extract in rabbit. Also in vitro effect of the herb extract on oxygen consumption in renal cortical slices and ATPase activity in kidney microsomes was measured. The following results were obtained : 1. The urine flow was markedly increased at 10 min after intravenous infusion of the Sam Hwa San extract($0.134{\pm}0.015$ vs. $0.433{\pm}0.046ml/min.kg$), but return ed to normal value after 40 min of infusion. 2. The glomerular filtration rate was significantly increased at 10 min after in travenous infusion of the Sam Hwa San extract, and the renal plasma flow at 10 and 20 min after infusion of the Sam Hwa San extract, following return to normal value. 3. $Na^+$ excretion was significantly increased during 10-40 min after intravenous infusion of the Sam Hwa San extract, although showed the maximal rate at 10-20 min. The fractional $Na^+$ excretion was also increased during 10-40 min. $K^+$ excretion was rapidly increased at 10 min after the intravenous Infusion of the Sam Hwa San extract and then gradually decreased to normal level at 40 min. The fractional $K^+$ excretion was significantly increased during 10-40 min after the intravenous infusion of the Sam Hwa San extract. 4. The plasma aldosterone concentration and renin activity were not altered by the infusion of the Sam Hwa San extract. 5. The ouabain-sensitive oxygen consumption of renal cortical slices was significantly reduced by the Sam Hwa San extract(0.5 and 1.0 vol.%). 6. The Na-K-ATPase activity of renal microsomes was strongly inhibited by the Sam Hwa San extract(0.5 and 1.0 vol.%). These results suggest that the Sam Hwa San causes a strong diuretic effect which results from reduction of Na reabsorption in renal tubule by a direct inhibition of Na-pump and, in part, from all increase in renal blood flow. In clinic, it is considered to obtain the therapeutic effect in body fluid metabolism disharmony to cause the circular disorder of vital energy.