Screening the anti-gout traditional herbs from TCM using an in vitro method

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the ability of 33 herbal extracts in inhibiting the acute inflammation and xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity. The anti-inflammation effects of the herbal extracts were detected by an in vitro cell model, which was established by stimulating human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) using sodium urate (MSU). In this model, the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were expressed, and the anti-inflammation effects of herbal extracts were evaluated by detecting the content changes of ICAM-1 and IL-1β in cell lysates and cell culture supernates using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, an ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method was used for the detection of XOD activity and the screening of XOD inhibitors in this research. The amount of uric acid from each analyte was directly detected using the multiple reaction monitoring mode and the uric acid level could be reduced via the addition of an inhibitor. Results indicated that Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizome, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix, Selaginellae Herba, Paeoniae Radix Rubra, especially Ginkgo Folium seemed to be more effective in anti-inflammation and inhibiting XOD activity. The anti-inflammation and enzyme inhibitory activities of the herbal extracts may be correlated with their bioactive components. And the differences between the herbal extracts were correlated with the amount of flavonoid and anthraquinone components. In our study, we have investigated the potential anti-inflammation bioactivity of 33 herbal extracts in vitro, which could provide a reference for further in vivo research in the prevention and treatment of gout.