Anti-hyperuricemic effect of fermented barley extract is associated with increased urinary uric acid excretion

Abstract

Effects of a fermented barley extract P (FBEP) on uric acid (UA) metabolism in three hyperuricemia rat models were studied. First, the influence of FBEP on UA biosynthesis was examined using rats hypodermically administrated oxonic acid. Then, the influence of FBEP on dietary purine absorption was examined using rats fed a high dose of inosinic acid. Finally, the influence of FBEP on UA excretion was examined using adenine-administered rats. From the first two models, FBEP was found to be rarely, or not at all, involved in the biosynthesis of UA or absorption of nucleic acid. On the other hand, in the rats loaded with adenine, it was shown that the urinary UA of the high-dose FBEP group (4,000 mg/kg/day) was significantly elevated by 27% compared to the control group. In addition, the UA clearance value in the high-dose FBEP group was increased 2-fold compared to the control group. These results suggest that FBEP reduces serum UA by increasing urinary excretion of UA.