AO-03: Exploring Plant Extracts for Uric Acid Dissolution : Potential for Gout Treatment

Abstract

Subject description: The subject of the study revolves around the historical use of natural products in traditional medicine for treating various diseases and health conditions. The focus is on exploring the bioactive properties of plant extracts, particularly in relation to uric acid dissolution, and their potential role in preventing diseases like hyperuricemia and gout. Objectives: The main objectives of the study are to investigate the effects of different extracts from four local plants on uric acid dissolution. Additionally, the study aims to quantify calcium, sodium, and potassium ions in the extracts and assess their haemolytic effects on human red blood cells. Methods: The study employed a reflux method using a Soxhlet apparatus with four solvents of varying polarity (n-hexane, acetone, methanol, and water) to prepare the extracts. The researchers then assessed the effects of these extracts on uric acid dissolution and conducted quantitative analysis of calcium, sodium, and potassium ions. Haemolytic effects on human red blood cells were also evaluated. Results and discussion: The results of the study indicate that the majority of the studied extracts demonstrated a significant ability to dissolve uric acid, outperforming the positive control (58.36±0.024 mg/mL distilled water). Furthermore, the capacity of the extracts to dissolve uric acid was found to be strongly correlated with their calcium content (r = 0.765; p = 0.001). Among the extracts, the aqueous extracts from Cistus creticus and Plantago ciliata showed the highest uric acid dissolving properties, with solubilities exceeding 450 mg uric acid/L. importantly, these extracts exhibited no toxic effects on isolated human erythrocytes, suggesting their potential in enhancing new therapies for gouty arthritis. Conclusion: The study concludes that the investigated plant extracts possess a significant ability to dissolve uric acid, which may have implications for the treatment of conditions like hyperuricemia and gout. Specifically, the aqueous extracts from Cistus creticus and Plantago ciliata show promise in this regard and warrant further exploration for potential therapeutic applications in gouty arthritis