Study of Anti-hyperuricemia, Anti-inflammatory, and Anti-nociceptive Effects of Hylocereus undatus stem bark Extract in Animal Models

Dragon fruit, known as Hylocereus undantus (HU), has traditionally been utilized in Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia, for addressing gout and rheumatism. Despite its empirical use, there is a lack of reported pharmacological research on this plant. This study aimed to explore the properties of HU extract in treating hyperuricemia, inflammation, and pain. Adenine-potassium oxonate-induced mice were employed to evaluate anti-hyperuricemia activity, measuring uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine serum levels. Carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats was used to assess anti-inflammatory activity, while acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and hot plate tests were conducted to investigate anti-nociceptive effects. The results revealed that administering HU extracts at 400 mg/kg notably reduced uric acid levels (p