Verbesina crocata plant growing from a kidney, representing natural diuretic support.

Natural Diuretics: Can This Plant Beat the Bloat?

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the potential of Verbesina crocata as a natural alternative to traditional diuretics and understand its effects on kidney health."

Feeling bloated or puffy? Diuretics, medications that help your body get rid of excess water and salt, are often prescribed for conditions like heart failure and high blood pressure. However, conventional diuretics can sometimes lead to unpleasant side effects like electrolyte imbalances. This has sparked interest in finding gentler, plant-based alternatives.

For centuries, traditional medicine has turned to nature's pharmacy for solutions. One such remedy is Verbesina crocata, a plant native to Mexico, where it's known as “capitaneja.” Traditionally, it has been used as a decoction or smoothie to address kidney problems and act as a diuretic.

Now, scientific research is beginning to explore the potential of Verbesina crocata. A recent study published in the Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology investigated whether this plant truly possesses diuretic properties and how it affects kidney function in rats. This article breaks down the study's findings, offering insights into the potential benefits and safety of this natural remedy.

Unpacking the Research: How Verbesina crocata Affects the Kidneys

Verbesina crocata plant growing from a kidney, representing natural diuretic support.

The study aimed to evaluate the diuretic activity of aqueous extracts from Verbesina crocata. Researchers prepared two forms of the plant extract: a decoction (made from dried plant material) and a smoothie (made from fresh plant material). They then administered these extracts, along with a standard diuretic drug (furosemide) and a control (water), to different groups of rats.

Over a six-hour period, the researchers carefully monitored several key indicators:

Urinary flow: How much urine was produced.
Glomerular filtration rate: A measure of how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood.
Electrolyte balance: The levels of sodium and potassium in the urine and blood.

The results showed that both the decoction and smoothie forms of Verbesina crocata increased urinary flow in the rats, indicating a diuretic effect. The extracts also led to increased excretion of sodium and potassium, further supporting their diuretic properties. Interestingly, only the smoothie form of the extract, at the highest dose tested (400 mg/kg), improved the glomerular filtration rate.

The Bottom Line: A Promising Natural Diuretic?

This research provides a scientific basis for the traditional use of Verbesina crocata as a diuretic. The study suggests that extracts from this plant can indeed help the body eliminate excess water and salt, potentially offering a natural alternative to conventional diuretics.

It's important to note that this study was conducted on rats, and further research is needed to confirm these effects in humans. Additionally, while the study found no signs of toxicity in the rats, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying any new herbal remedy, especially if you have existing kidney problems or are taking other medications.

If you're looking for a natural way to combat bloating and support kidney function, Verbesina crocata may be worth exploring – but always do so under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Further studies may help to unlock the full potential of this traditional Mexican remedy.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3329/bjp.v13i3.27584, Alternate LINK

Title: Diuretic Activity Of Aqueous Extract And Smoothie Preparation Of Verbesina Crocata In Rat

Subject: Pharmacology

Journal: Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology

Publisher: Bangladesh Journals Online (JOL)

Authors: Anuar Gómez Salazar, Saudy Saret Pérez Pablo, María Mirian Carmona Estévez, María Estela Camargo Meléndez

Published: 2018-08-07

Everything You Need To Know

What is Verbesina crocata and how is it traditionally used?

Verbesina crocata, known traditionally as "capitaneja," is a plant from Mexico that has been used to address kidney problems and promote diuresis. Research, such as the study published in the Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology, is now exploring its potential as a natural diuretic. It's traditionally prepared as a decoction or smoothie.

How was Verbesina crocata studied for its diuretic properties?

The study in rats, published in the Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology, used aqueous extracts from Verbesina crocata in decoction and smoothie forms. Researchers monitored urinary flow, glomerular filtration rate, and electrolyte balance over six hours, comparing the effects against a control group and a group treated with furosemide (a standard diuretic drug).

What were the key findings of the study on Verbesina crocata's effect on kidney function?

The rat study indicated that both the decoction and smoothie forms of Verbesina crocata increased urinary flow and the excretion of sodium and potassium, which are indicators of a diuretic effect. Notably, only the smoothie form of Verbesina crocata extract, at the highest dose (400 mg/kg), improved the glomerular filtration rate, which suggests enhanced kidney filtration.

How might Verbesina crocata be a preferable alternative to conventional diuretics?

Conventional diuretics like furosemide, while effective, can lead to electrolyte imbalances and other side effects. Verbesina crocata presents a potential alternative that, according to research, could offer diuretic benefits—increasing urinary flow and electrolyte excretion—while possibly being gentler on the body. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans and to fully understand any potential side effects.

What further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of using Verbesina crocata as a diuretic?

While the study provides insights into the diuretic potential of Verbesina crocata, it primarily focused on rats. Further research is needed to determine the appropriate dosages, long-term effects, and potential interactions with other medications in humans. Additionally, more comprehensive studies should explore the specific compounds within Verbesina crocata responsible for its diuretic effects and how they influence kidney function and overall health.