Abstract

Nascimento, C. C. H. C., Vasconcelos, S. D. D. De, Nascimento, S. F., Oliveira, J. F. F., Nogueira, R. I., Barreto, A. S., *Diré, G. F.

ABSTRACT

The Costus spicatus commonly called Brejo Cana in Brazil, is a medicinal plant found in coastal rainforests. The rhizome of this plant is used for the treatment of complaints of the bladder and urethra and to expel kidney stones. The infusion of the aerial parts is used to treat colds, sore throat, dysentery and diarrhea. Its use in traditional medicine includes the use of leaves, stems and rhizomes as a diuretic and tonic. The antioxidant action of species Costus is not yet well understood. However, studies show that many species of Zinziberaceae can sequester free radicals. In some Western Hemisphere countries, especially in Brazil, Costus Spicatus is used in the form of infusion for the treatment of kidney diseases and in order to reduce levels of blood glucose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a freeze-dried aqueous extract of Costus spicatus in measuring the animal weight (F1 mice) treated with said natural extract. The aqueous extract of Costus spicatus was administered daily orally (1 mL) with the aid of a gavage needle F1 male mice for 16 days. The data suggest that the aqueous extract studied of Costus spicatus exhibit a weight maintenance effect of the treated animals. This effect may be related to action mechanisms of certain phytomolecules which exhibit antioxidant and hypoglycemic action. There was no reduced weight gain and food consumption in the treated group during the stages of the experiment.