Evaluation of the Anti-Gout Potential of Calluna vulgaris L. (Ericaceae) in Rats

The present study evaluated the anti-gout potential of an ethanolic extract from Calluna vulgaris L. Hull (ECV). A preliminary phytochemical analysis of ECV was performed by spectrophotometric and HPLC-PDA-MS methods. Hypouricemic effect of ECV was tested in vivo using the oxonate-induced hyperuricemia model in rats, systolic blood pressure being also monitored in hyperuricemic animals. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of ECV were investigated by the carrageenan-induced paw oedema and Randall-Selitto test in rats. The results of the phytochemical analysis of the extract obtained from C. vulgaris showed the main chemical constituents were flavonoids and chlorogenic acid. ECV showed significant and dose-dependent hypouricemic effects in oxonate-treated rats, increasing the urinary excretion of uric acid. The tested extract produced statistically significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects at the dose of 500 mg/kg. This study offers a new perspective regarding the anti-gout potential of C. vulgaris.