In vitro Enzyme Inhibition and In vivo Anti-hyperuricemic Potential of Malic Acid: An Experimental Approach

Abstract The prevalence of hyperuricemia among adolescents in developed and developing countries is of great concern. Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder that intensifies the risk of serious illnesses such as gout, diabetes, cardiovascular, renal complications etc. This can be controlled through regulating the xanthine oxidase (XO) enzyme activity. Current XO inhibitors used for the treatment exert some severe side effects. Naturally derived molecules are better alternative to overcome these issues. Malic acid, a four-carbon dicarboxylic acid, is mostly present in plants and fruits and is utilised extensively in the diet, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. The IC50 value obtained for malic acid was 3.81 ± 0.002 × 10 M and it is a good competitive inhibitor. An altered levels of various biological markers (renal, hepatic and haematological) were observed in potassium oxonate induced in vivo hyperuricemia model. When treated with malic acid (different doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg bwt), altered levels of biological function markers retained close to their normal range. The current study revealed the anti-hyperuricemic potential of malic acid. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT