Uricosuric effect of dandelion root extract on oxonate-induced hyperuricemia in rats

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the uricosuric effect of dandelion plant extracts in hyperuricemic rats induced by potassium oxonate (PO). Methods. Hyperuricemia was induced in rats using PO, and dandelion root extracts were administered to observe their impact on uric acid (UA) levels. The study involved adult male Swiss rats weighing approximately 150–180 grams, randomly divided into five groups (n = 6). Group 1 served as the normal control group with no treatment. Group 2 received PO only. Group 3 received oral administration of 50 mg/kg of dandelion extract in 0.5 ml of distilled water (DW) daily. Group 4 was orally administered 100 mg/kg of dandelion powder in 0.5 ml of DW daily. Group 5 was orally treated with allopurinol. After 12 days, the rats were euthanized using chloroform inhalation, and their sera were collected directly from the heart for biochemical analysis of serum UA, urinary uric acid (UUA), as well as other liver and renal biochemical parameters. Results. The study revealed that hyperuricemic rats treated with the dandelion solution experienced a significant decrease in blood UA levels and a significant increase in UUA levels. Dandelion treatment also influenced xanthine oxidase activity, with no significant differences observed in liver and kidney functions. Conclusion. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that dandelion extract significantly reduces UA levels through uricosuric activity and demonstrates significant XO inhibitory effects.

Keywords

• dandelion, uric acid, taraxacum, xanthine oxidase, hyperuricemia, uricosuria.