Xanthine oxidase inhibitory properties of Czech medicinal plants

Aim of the studyTo investigate in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory properties of plants traditionally used in Czech Republic and Central-East Europe region for gout, arthritis or rheumatism treatment.Materials and methodsMethylene chloride–methanolic and two ethanolic extracts of 27 plant species were screened for in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity using a spectrophotometric method.ResultsAround 50% of the species exhibited some degree of xanthine oxidase inhibitory properties at 200 μg/mL, showing a moderate correlation (r = 0.59) with total phenol content. The most active were methylene chloride–methanolic extracts of Populus nigra and Betula pendula, with IC50 of 8.3 and 25.9 μg/mL, respectively, followed by 80% ethanolic extract of Caryophyllus aromaticus and Hypericum perforatum, both under 50 μg/mL.ConclusionsPopulus nigra and Betula pendula were identified as species with the highest xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential in our study. This correlates with the ethnobotanical data on their use in Central European folklore and provides the basis for further investigation on these plants.

Graphical abstractExtracts from plants traditionally used in Czech countries against gout and arthritis were screened for in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. Extracts from Populus nigra buds and Betula pendula leaves were the most active.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide