Anti Hyperuricemic Effects of Vitex negundo Linn. Methanolic Leaf Extract in a Mackerel Induced Albino Mice

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Most uric acid is dissolved in the blood, filtered through the kidneys, and expelled in the urine. The high level of uric acid in the blood can induce hyperuricemia. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down foods that contain organic compounds called purines. These purines are caused by foods such as liver, mackerel, seafood's, red meat, beer, liquor, and sugar-sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. High level of uric acid can cause gout, arthritis or the swelling of joints.

METHODS

The mice were acclimatized for two weeks. After the acclimatization, the mice were given mackerel for one week and treated based on their group (negative control, positive control, continuous with allopurinol, and continuous with lagundi extract) for one week. Uric acid levels were determined and tested using the GCU meter. Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance to see whether there were any significant differences among the treatment sub-groups. Significant differences (p<0.05) between the control sub-group and treatment sub-groups in male mice were analyzed using T-test and One Way ANOVA.

RESULTS

These results showed that the mice with a continuous allopurinol treatment have the highest decrease in uric acid with 30.540% decrease. Then, continuous treatment with extracts given at 200 mg/kg of Lagundi extract followed with 22.973% decrease. All treatment sub-groups were significantly different from the negative control. The uric acid level reduction in discontinuous control sub-group (7.18) was lower than the continuous control sub-group (7.64), indicating that avoiding high purine food is important in controlling the uric acid level in the blood.

DISCUSSIONS

Lagundi leaves have the ability to decrease uric acid but they have lower efficacy compare to allopurinol. This is possible because allopurinol is a synthetic drug widely used for hyperuricemia, while Vitex negundo Linn. is well-known as a synthetic and traditional medicine used for the treatment of coughs, asthma symptoms, and other respiratory problems. Also, lagundi leaves and roots have expectorant and diuretic properties and are used for relieving pain. The results showed that lagundi leaves can be used as an alternative drug for uric acid because of its bioactive compounds. However, the isolation of bioactive compounds is important in determining the chemical analysis and more information should be provided to increase the value of lagundi leaves in society.