In vitro antioxidant and inhibition of monosodium urate crystals by Sauropus androgynus hydroalcoholic extract

Gout is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by hyperuricemia. Deposition of uric acid in the form of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the joints, may cause oxidative stress and inflammation. Current therapy for gout has many side effects, hence there is a need to develop an alternative therapy for gout management. Sauropus androgynus (SA), belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. SA possesses anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive properties. SA has also been traditionally claimed to be effective in gout management, but there is no relevant scientific evidence for this claim. Hence, the present study planned to evaluate the in vitro effect of SA hydroalcoholic extract on antioxidant and inhibitory effect on growth of MSU crystals. The dried aerial parts of the SA were subjected to extraction by cold maceration method. Nitric oxide (NO) and ferric reducing antioxidant assay was used to evaluate antioxidant potency of the SA and ascorbic acid (standard) at different concentrations. MSU crystals were grown in vitro, which were characterized by FT-IR. SA hydroalcoholic extract was exposed to MSU crystals for 48 hr and observed for growth and inhibition of needle shaped MSU crystals under the microscope. FT-IR results confirm the presence of MSU crystals. SA displayed significant in vitro inhibition of growth of MSU crystal and antioxidant activity by nitric oxide and ferric reducing antioxidant assay. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and lowering effect on MSU crystals of SA helps to subside the symptoms of gout. Inhibition of growth of MSU and antioxidant activity of the plant may be due to the presence of flavonoids and vitamin C.