EXPLORING THE EFFICACY OF DRIED WHITE MULBERRY FRUIT IN MODULATING LIPID PROFILES AND URIC ACID LEVELS IN WISTAR RAT MODEL

Abstract Objective: Originating from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and Ayurveda practices in managing hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus, the use of commercial dried white mulberry (Morus alba) fruit is prevalent today. To this end, this study investigated the modulatory effect of dried white mulberry fruit aqueous extract (WMF-AE) on the serum lipid profiles and uric acid levels in rat models. Materials and methods: The acute hyperuricemia model was induced in rats using potassium oxonate (250 mg/kg), and the dyslipidemia model was induced using a high-fat diet (10% lamb fat and 1.5% cholesterol mixed with 88.5% of regular rats’ chow). Dried WMF-AE were orally administered to both models using 5 and 10 mg/kg doses respectively. Serum uric acid (UA), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were determined. Rats were then sacrificed for histopathological examination of their livers. Results: The dried WMF-AE significantly reduced body weight for rats served either with a normal or a high-fat diet. The WMF-AE significantly reduced serum uric acid in acute hyperuricemia male rats when compared to rats with no treatment. Moreover, it significantly decreased serum LDL-C in certain studied groups and effectively protected the liver tissues from fatty changes that may appear due to a fatty diet. Conclusion: Dried WMF-AE exhibit positive effects in managing weight, reducing serum uric acid, and LDL-C levels when applied to acute hyperuricemia rat models fed on high-fat diets.