Actividad diurética de las aguas minerales termales del balneario de Azuaje (Gran Canaria, Islas Canarias)

Abstract

Introduction: The spring of Azuaje was discovered in the second half of nineteenth century and known as “El Pastor”. Classified as Mineral-Medicinal since 1868 and declared of “public utility” in 1948. Methods: Physicochemical and chemical parameters have been analyzed. Water of Azuaje was compared with a carbonated mineral water of Gran Canaria Island and saline as control. Urinary Volume Excretion, Maxim Diuresis Time and urinary concentration of ions Na+, K+ and Cl- in rats were examined. Results: organoleptic analysis of water of Azuaje: flavour, acidulous; odour, odourless; colour, colourless. Spring temperature: 29 ºC; pH = 6.4; Conductivity (20 ºC) = 2020 µS/cm; Dry residue = 1652 mg/L; Hardness= 48.3 ºF; CO2 = 780 mg/L; mineralizing components: (mg/L): CO3H- = 967; Cl- = 195; SO4 2- = 60; Na+ = 250; Ca++ = 92; Mg++ = 61; K+ = 26, Fe++ = 1.59. (SiO2) = 114 mg/L.Water of Azuaje produces a steady increase in UVE of water at all hours following administration in comparison with a carbonated mineral water and saline. Water of Azuaje produces a significant decrease in MDT in comparison with saline and carbonated mineral water. Conclusions: The waters of Azuaje are carbonated chlorided-sodic of strong- mineralization with aquous diuretic action administered by p.o. route. Teherefore, are indicated in urinary tract infections and treatment of urinary stones.