Uric acid and glucose level in high fructose high cholesterol induced Sprague-Dawley rats after therapy with Acalypha indica Linn. ethanol extract

Diet with high fructose and cholesterol (HFHC) plays a role in the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. Ethanol extract from Acalypha indica has been known to alleviate hyperglycemia and hyperuricemic conditions in rats induced by substances that destroy beta cells. This research aimed to evaluate its effect in rats induced by diet. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups, six of which are given HFHC diet for 1,5 months. In the following month, rats were given therapy while diet continued. Therapy consisted of 250 mg/kg BW/day of Acalypha indica Linn. root's ethanol extract, 100 mg/kgBW/day of metformin, 30mg/kg BW/day of allopurinol, or combination. Lowest blood glucose value was found in group receiving both AI and metformin. No significant difference was found between pre- and post- therapy blood glucose in groups treated with AI (p=0,831), metformin (p=0,056), or both (p=0,908). Uric acid level was increased in all groups, with highest rate found in group receiving both allopurinol and AI. The difference in uric acid level between treatment group was 0.331. Whilst insignificant, ethanolic extract of Acalypha indica Linn. was observed to lower blood glucose in rats. Group treated with AI showed similar rise in uric acid level, with combination therapy showed highest rise. Further research with longer duration of induction and therapy will be required to better understand the hypoglycemic and antihyperuricemic effects exerted by AI.