Inhibitory effects of Moringa oleifera seed extracts on crude xanthine oxidase

Abstract

The quest for novel xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors, characterized by reduced side effects and heightened therapeutic efficacy, holds significant importance in addressing hyperuricemia and gout. This study was undertaken to assess the inhibitory properties of Moringa oleifera seed extracts on crude XO. The isolation of crude XO from bovine (cow) milk was achieved through ammonium sulfate precipitation techniques, and its activity was subsequently quantified using spectrophotometric measurements at a wavelength of 293 nm. The impact on xanthine oxidase inhibition was investigated utilizing varying concentrations of Moringa oleifera seed extracts in methanol, ethyl acetate, and aqueous solutions. Among these extracts, the ethyl acetate variant displayed the most robust inhibitory effect, with a notable inhibition rate of 89.16% ± 0.42, followed by the methanol extract at 65.59% ± 0.79 and the aqueous extract at 48.77% ± 0.85. For comparison, the positive control (allopurinol) exhibited an inhibition rate of 94.32% ± 0.66. The kinetic parameters of the enzyme were determined, revealing Vmax and km values of 0.05 U/ml and 131.35 µM, respectively. When the enzyme was exposed to the inhibitory extracts, the resulting Vmax and km values were as follows: ethyl acetate extract; 0.03 U/ml and 77.12 µM, methanol extract; 0.04 U/ml and 131.35 µM, and aqueous extract; 0.02 U/ml and 74.23 µM. This research work establishes a foundation for the potential utilization of Moringa oleifera seed extracts in addressing hyperuricemia and, consequently, gout.