Evaluation of Anti-Gout Effect of Polyherbal Formulation Acupen in Monosodium Urate Crystal-Induced Gouty Arthritis via Anti-Inflammatory Action in Experimental Animal Model

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-gout activity of ACUPEN formulation using the Monosodium Urate (MSU)-induced gouty arthritis model and assess its Xanthine Oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity. Materials and Methods: Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups. The control group received normal saline, while the other groups were administered 50 μL of MSU crystals (25 mg/mL) intra-articularly into the right ankle joint under anesthesia. The study analyzed the swelling ratio, inflammation index, dysfunction index, gait analysis, and serum uric acid levels. Histopathological studies of the liver, kidney, and joints were also performed. The xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of ACUPEN tablets was measured spectrophotometrically by quantifying the conversion of xanthine to uric acid and comparing it with the activity of allopurinol. Results: Treatment groups showed a significant reduction in inflammation and swelling at 12 and 24 hr. The high-dose ACUPEN group (600 mg/kg) demonstrated a significant improvement in inflammation at 48 hr. The XO in vitro study revealed an IC50 value of 24.8 for ACUPEN. Gait scores in treatment groups decreased, indicating symptom alleviation. No abnormalities were observed in liver and kidney biopsies. Conclusion: ACUPEN tablets exhibited significant XO inhibitory activity in vitro and demonstrated improvements in inflammation, dysfunction, and gait. These findings suggest that ACUPEN may effectively manage gouty arthritis by reducing hyperuricemia and inflammation. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm these effects in vivo and evaluate their safety and efficacy in humans.