Evaluation of the hypouricemic effect of petroleum ether extract from Ophiocordyceps sinensis biomass

Abstract

Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a long-traditional medicinal mushroom with many bioactivities. Our previous studies have demonstrated that O. sinensis, especially petroleum ether (PE) extract, has the potential to support the treatment of hyperuricemia by inhibiting xanthine oxidase (XO) activity. In this study, the ability of PE extract to lower the content of blood uric acid was investigated in a hyperuricemia model. The acute hyperuricemia model was conducted at a dose of 250 - 1,000 mg/kg using potassium oxonate on mice. The results showed that the PE extract of O. sinensis did not cause death to mice at a dose of 5,000 mg/kg. The results showed that all three tested doses (250, 500, 1,000 mg/kg) were effective in lowering the concentration of blood uric acid. The model of chronic hyperuricemia was revealed using doses of potassium oxonate from 300 to 150 mg/kg every other day. The rates of uric acid increased in the model group compared to the control group after 7 days was 50%, and after 14 days was 36%. The results of lowering the uric acid contents on the model of chronic hyperuricemia showed that the dose of 1,000 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg had a better effect than the dose of 250 mg/kg. The uric acid contents were reduced 25% after 7 days and 29% after 14 days by the dose of 500 mg/kg, respectively. A dose of 1,000 mg/kg reduced uric acid contents by 35% after 7 days and 29% after 14 days, respectively. The results of hematology test exhibited no differences between experiments. The HE staining results showed damages in internal organs when the experiments was prolonged.