Plant products and their inhibitory activity against xanthine oxidase

Abstract

Plant phytochemicals are very extensive and varied sources for medicinal compounds. The need for finding alternative remedies for several illnesses that are linked to the products of an enzyme like xanthine oxidase, motivates researchers to find in nature searching for local new better remedies. Many plants’ extracts are investigated, and many other sources like honey, food, and bacteria are being found to produce inhibitors of xanthine oxidase. Yet efforts are needed to find the perfect remedy with clinical effect and with no or little side effects. The aim of this review is to provide recent information on natural substances derived from plants that have the potential to inhibit xanthine oxidase, with attention to some medicinal plants from Jordan. As a consequence of the information presented in this review, several natural compounds have demonstrated to xanthine oxidase inhibitory effects which highlight them as potential candidates for application in the management of different chronic disorders.