EXPLORING THE INHIBITORY EFFECT OF MEDICINAL PLANT EXTRACTS ON XO: A PROMISING SOURCE OF LIFE-SAVING DRUGS

Abstract

Gout is a metabolic disorder that results from the deposition of uric acid in joint vessels, causing sharp pain and inflammation. The enzyme xanthine oxidase (XO) plays a key role in this process. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of extracts from leaves and seeds of ten selected medicinal plants on XO, using spectrophotometry to measure the percentage of inhibition. The medicinal plants were Azadirachta indica, Catharanthus roseus, Citrus limon, Cymbopogon citratus, Nyctanthus arbour-tristis, Psidium guajava, Tinospora cordifolia, and seeds of Apium graveolens, Salvia hispanica, and Trigonella foenum-graecum. The results showed that Apium graveolens and Citrus limon have potential as alternative treatments for gout. Allopurinol, a drug used to treat gout, was used as the positive control. This study provides evidence for plant extracts from traditional medicines as a potential source of life-saving drugs with minimal side effects.