Hypouricemic and renal protective effects of the Chinese functional tea Ligustrum robustum on hyperuricemic mice

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a prevalent metabolic disorder requiring safe, effective interventions. Ligustrum robustum (LR), a Chinese functional tea approved as a general food by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, was studied for its anti-HUA and renoprotective effects in potassium oxonate and hypoxanthine-induced HUA mice. Results showed that LR significantly reduced serum uric acid and improved renal function in a dose-responsive manner without organ toxicity. Western blot analysis indicated that LR bidirectionally regulated uric acid metabolism by downregulating the expressions of XOD, URAT1, GLUT9, and OAT4 and upregulating ABCG2, OAT1 and OAT3 expressions. Furthermore, transcriptomics combined with RT-qPCR and H&E staining revealed that LR ameliorated renal inflammation by suppressing the TNF/NF-κB pathway. Using spectrum-effect relationship analysis, 20 active compounds were identified, with ligupurpuroside A and verbascoside showing strong XOD inhibitory activity. LR shows promise as a safe, effective functional food for HUA management.