| Abstract: | The effect of O. megacantha extract on blood uric acid levels and other biochemical profiles were investigated over a 5 week period of giving rats an oral dose of 20 mg/100 g body weight of the extract daily. The results show that O. megacantha extract significantly lowered (p <0.01) serum uric acid and increased renal excretion of uric acid by comparison with controls. Serum creatinine, AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and phosphate levels were significantly raised (p <0.05) in the experimental group. However serum magnesium, calcium and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) were lowered (p <0.05) in the same group by comparison with control rats. An increase (p <0.05) in total water intake, an increase (p <0.05) in total urinary uric acid excretion as well as a slight increase in total urine voided over the 5 week period were observed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
