Hibiscus sabdariffa L. extracts reduce serum uric acid levels in oxonate-induced rats

Abstract

Hibiscus sabdariffa extractOxonic acid Uricase Xanthine oxidase A B S T R A C T Elevated serum levels of uric acid are associated with an increased risk for hyperuricemia, gout, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and renal failure. Recent attention has focused on the bioactive properties of edible plants in preventing disease. Hibiscus sabdariffa L., a local soft drink material and medicinal herb in Taiwan, is used effectively in native medicines against hypertension, pyrexia, and liver disorders. We investigated the effects of the Hibiscus sabdariffa extract (HSE) on oxonic acid (OA)-induced hyperuricemia in rats. The HSE affected serum uric acid levels and urate enzymes such as uricase and xanthine oxidase (XO). We treated rats intraperitoneally with normal saline and oxonate solution for 1 week and with or without feeding allopurinol (an XO inhibitor) or HSE (1%, 2%, and 5%) for 5 weeks. We observed that treatment with HSE inhibited OA-induced hyperuricemia, with a greater uric acid lowering effect than allopurinol treatment. Our results showed that HSE effectively inhibited OA-induced hyperuricemia by decreasing uric acid and increasing uricase activity, but not by affecting XO activity.

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in the treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidemia: A comprehensive review of animal and human studies

“…Studies carried out in animals and humans have primarily demonstrated either no change or decreases in measures related to function of the liver (AST and ALT liver enzymes [16, 46, 47]) or kidney (creatinine [16, 18, 22, 23, 31, 46, 48], blood urea nitrogen [18, 31], and urea [16]) function (Table 1). However, at doses of 300 mg/kg/day of HS over a 3 month period, an adverse effect on liver enzymes was observed, suggesting that at very high doses the extract could be hepatotoxic [46].…”

The Effect Of Roselle Extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) On Blood Glucose Level And Total Antioxidant Level On Diabetic Rat Induced By Streptozotocin

“…has been believed for many years to be able to reduce the risk of degenerative diseases. Several studies have shown that roselle was effective in lowering blood pressure ( [11]; [12]; [13]; [14]; [15]), had an antioxidant function protecting the liver from a damage ( [16]; [17]; [18]; [19]), increased the antioxidant enzymes in the liver [20], was anti-inflammatory and analgesic [21], and was found to lower uric acid ( [22]; [23]). Roselle has high antioxidant content.…”

Indian Medicinal Plants Useful in Treatment of Gout: A Review for Current Status and Future Prospective

“…The extract effectively inhibited hyperuricemia by increasing uricase activity and by decreasing serum uric acid levels. The XO activity was not affected by the extract [10].…”

“…New agents such as uricase analogs and biological cytokine inhibitors have been also used for the treatment of gout [7,8]. Allopurinol, a commonly used XO inhibitor, has various adverse effects such as hypersensitivity syndrome, Stevens Johnson syndrome, renal toxicity, and fatal liver necrosis [9,10]. Gastric and renal adverse effects are common with long-term use of anti-inflammatory agents.…”

“…Over activity of this enzyme and increased intake of dietary food rich in nucleic acids (e.g. meat, leguminous seeds) impair renal excretion of uric acid and result in hyperuricemia and gout [6][7][8][9][10][11].…”