In vitro enzyme inhibition and in vivo anti-hyperuricemic potential of eugenol: an experimental approach

Xanthine oxidase (XO) is accountable for the uric acid synthesis in the body and is considered as a prominent therapeutic target in urate lowering treatment. Eugenol is a natural compound commonly found in clove, cinnamon, etc. and has various biological activities. This study was designed to examine the anti-hyperuricemic effect of eugenol by in vitro and in vivo studies. Potassium oxonate (PO) was used to induce hyperuricemia in Wistar rats. Different doses of eugenol (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg bwt orally) were used for the treatment and various biological function markers (renal, hepatic, and hematological) were analyzed. The IC50 value obtained for eugenol was 3.51 +/- 0.002 mu M. The kinetic studies revealed that the eugenol exhibited a mixed type of inhibition. Abnormality in the levels of various biological function markers was observed in the PO treated rats. Upon the eugenol treatment, those biological function markers were retained near to its normal values. The study proved the anti-hyperuricemic potential of eugenol against the PO induced hyperuricemia model.