Potential of Anti-hyperuricemia Effect Ethyl Acetate Extracts from Arcangelisia flava Stems in Model Rats

Abstract

Hyperuricemia is a condition characterised by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, and if chronic, can lead to gouty arthritis. The treatment for hyperuricemia is allopurinol, but many people use herbal remedies for daily use. Arcangelisia flava contains alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, and tannins, and in vitro tests have demonstrated its effectiveness as an anti-hyperuricaemic agent. This study aims to determine the effect of ethyl acetate extract from A. flava stems in reducing uric acid levels in rats. This was an in vivo experimental study with a pre-post-test, randomized control group design using male white rats (n = 25) in a hyperuricemia condition, administered chicken liver juice twice daily for seven days, and induced by potassium oxonate (250 mg kg^-1 BW) intraperitoneally. Mice were administered ethyl acetate extract from A. flava stems or standard medication for seven days. Blood samples were collected through the ocular vein for analysis. Uric acid levels were measured on days 0, 4, and 7 using a spectrophotometric method with uric acid reagents. Data were analysed using ANOVA and post-hoc Games-Howell tests. Administration of an ethyl acetate extract of A. flava stems at all doses for 7 days significantly reduced serum uric acid levels in rats (p = 0.000), with a percentage reduction in uric acid levels of more than 50% from the initial hyperuricemic condition. Based on statistical analysis, a dose of 100 mg kg-1 BW was effective. The ethyl acetate extract of Arcangelisia flava stems has potential as an anti-hyperuricemic agent.