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Hypouricemic effect of the methanol extract from Prunus mume fruit in mice
Li-Tao Yi1, Jing Li, Dong-Xue Su
1Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian province, PR China. litaoyi@hqu.edu.cn
Context:
The fruit of the Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc (Rosaceae) is used as a health food or medicinal material in traditional herb medicine for a long time in Eastern Asian countries.
Objective:
Our present study investigated the hypouricemic effect of the methanol extract from P. mume fruit (MPMF) in mice with potassium oxonate-induced hyperuremia.
Materials And Methods:
Effect of MPMF (35, 70 and 140 mg/kg, p.o.) administrated for 7 days on the serum, liver, urinary uric acid levels and liver xanthine oxidase (XO) activity were assessed in mice.
Results:
Hyperuricemic mice induced by potassium oxonate demonstrated an elevation in serum and liver uric acid levels (11.0 mg/dL and 0.52 mg/g tissue) and a reduction in urinary uric acid levels (49.9 mg/dL). Oral administration of 140 mg/kg MPMF for 7 days reversed the abnormalities in serum, liver and urinary uric acid levels (7.1 mg/dL, 0.37 mg/g tissue and 69.7 mg/dL, respectively). In addition, 70 and 140 mg/kg MPMF (3.1 and 2.9 nmol/min per mg protein) inhibited liver XO activity compared with hyperuricemic mice (3.9 nmol/min per mg protein).
Discussion And Conclusion:
The results indicated that the beneficial hypouricaemic effect of MPMF may be mediated, at least in part, by inhibiting XO activity in the liver. Our study suggests that P. mume and its extracts may have a considerable potential for development as an anti-gout agent for clinical application.
Insights
Prunus mume fruit extract (MPMF) effectively lowered uric acid levels in hyperuricemic mice. This hypouricemic effect is linked to the inhibition of liver xanthine oxidase (XO) activity, suggesting potential as an anti-gout agent.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Research
- Traditional Medicine
Background:
- Prunus mume fruit is traditionally used in Eastern Asian medicine.
- It is recognized for its health benefits and medicinal properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypouricemic (uric acid-lowering) effect of Prunus mume methanol extract (MPMF).
- To assess the impact of MPMF on hyperuricemia induced by potassium oxonate in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered varying doses of MPMF (35, 70, 140 mg/kg) orally for seven days.
- Serum, liver, and urinary uric acid levels were measured.
- Liver xanthine oxidase (XO) activity was assessed.
Main Results:
- Potassium oxonate induced elevated serum and liver uric acid and reduced urinary uric acid.
- MPMF administration, particularly at 140 mg/kg, normalized these uric acid levels.
- MPMF (70 and 140 mg/kg) significantly inhibited liver XO activity.
Conclusions:
- MPMF demonstrates a hypouricemic effect in mice, likely through the inhibition of liver XO activity.
- Prunus mume extracts show potential for development as a natural anti-gout therapeutic agent.
