Content of Phenols, Flavonoids and Antihyperuricemic Activity of Leaves And Rhizomes of Smilax Purhampuy Ruiz

Abstract

Introduction: Smilax purhampuy is traditionally used for the treatment of chronic gastritis, cystitis, arthritis and inflammation of the prostate; however, it lacks scientific studies that support its traditional use. Objective: To estimate the chemical composition and antihyperuricemic activity of hydroalcoholic extracts from leaves and rhizomes of S. purhampuy. Method: the dry material of leaves and rhizomes of the species was used for the elaboration of the extracts by maceration with 80 % hydroalcoholic solvent. Total phenols were quantified by Folin-Ciocalteu and total flavonoids by the aluminum chloride colorimetric method. Antihyperuricemic activity was evaluated in rats using the potassium oxonate induction model; the extracts were tested at doses of 125, 250 and 400 mg/kg and allopurinol 10 mg/kg was used as a positive control. The uric acid content in blood serum was quantified and the enzymatic activity of xanthine oxidase was determined. Results: in the phytochemical determinations, significant differences were observed in the content of each evaluated metabolite, fundamentally associated with the characteristics of each plant organ. The highest content of phenols (4.08 mg EAG/g) and flavonoids (1.01 mg EQ/g) was found in the leaf extract. The extracts of leaves and rhizomes showed a significant decrease in the levels of uric acid in blood serum (156.31 µmol/L y 167.58 µmol/L, respectively) and in the activity of the enzyme xanthine oxidase at all doses tested, being more marked in the extract of leaves at 400 mg/kg. Conclusions: the results provide the first findings of the antihyperuricemic potential of the species and make an important contribution to the knowledge of its chemical composition