Anti-hyperuricemic effects of Philadelphus tenuifolius extract in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic rats

Hyperuricemia, characterized by elevated serum urate levels, is a major risk factor for gout and renal disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Young leaves of Philadelphus tenuifolius (PT) are edible, non-toxic, and used in traditional medicine and food, but their effects have not been reported. This study investigated the inhibitory activity of PT leaf ethanolic extract on hyperuricemia. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups: normal, hyperuricemia model, positive controls (benzobromarone and allopurinol), and two PT extract doses. Hyperuricemia was induced using potassium oxonate. PT extract significantly downregulated inflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α, COX-2) in the kidney, reduced serum uric acid and creatinine, and improved renal damage. It inhibited hepatic xanthine oxidase activity and enhanced uric acid excretion by modulating renal urate transporters: decreased GLUT9 and URAT1, increased OAT1 and ABCG2. These findings suggest PT extract may ameliorate hyperuricemia and protect kidneys, supporting its potential as a functional food or therapeutic agent without any toxicity in humans. • Hyperuricemia (elevated serum urate concentration) is a major risk factor for gout. • PT extract decreases serum uric acid concentrations in PO-induced hyperuricemic rats. • PT extract decreases uric acid production by inhibiting XOD activity in the liver. • PT extract ameliorates uric acid excretion by regulating urate transporters in the kidney. • PT extract can be a functional food or therapeutic agent for hyperuricemia and gout.