Evaluation of Antioxidant and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Potential of Methanolic Root Extract of Acorus calamus- an In vitro Study

Background: Gout is an inflammatory joint disease that elevates the uric acid levels in blood that triggers the formation of urate crystals in the joint,especially since the past 50 years. Xanthine oxidase catalyses oxidative hydroxylation of hypoxanthine to Xanthine to uric acid. show it's higher in men aged above 50 years. Acorus calamus is a mid term, perennial, fragrant herb. Therefore, the main approach for the treatment of gout is reducing uric acid.

Aim: To analyze the antioxidant and Xanthine Oxidase inhibitory potential of methanolic root extract of Acorus calamus.

Materials and Methods: Preparation of methanolic root extract of Acorus calamus was done by hot percolation method. Phytochemical screening test was done. The antioxidant activity was carried out by DPPH radical scavenging assay. Anti gout potential of the herbal extract was analysed by the evaluation of Xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential. The data were analyzed statistically by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test to see the statistical significance among the groups. The results with p<0.05 level were considered to be statistically significant.

Results: Methanolic root extract of Acorus calamus shows a strong presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids ,terpenoids, steroids, saponins, flavonoids.IC50 of antioxidant potential of Methanolic root extract of Acorus calamus was found to be 210 µg/ml.Ic 50 of xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential of methanolic root extract of Acorus calamus was found to be 310 µg/ml.

Conclusion: Methanolic root extract of Acorus calamus exhibited significant antioxidant and anti gout potential. Further research on the natural Xanthine oxidase inhibitors especially in vivo studies and investigation of active compounds and its pharmacokinetics to be elucidated.