Jurnal Medika Nusantara
Vol. 4 No. 4 (2026): : Jurnal Medika Nusantara

Efficacy of Ethanolic Extract of Betel Leaf (Piper Betle L.) on Uric Acid Levels and Xanthine Dehydrogenase (XDH) Protein Expression in a Hyperuricemic Wistar Rat Model

Nidia Astari Riantika (Universitas Maritim Raja Ali Haji)
Legiran Legiran (Universitas Sriwijaya)
Debby Handayati Harahap (Universitas Sriwijaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Nov 2026

Abstract

Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated uric acid levels and is associated with gout, oxidative stress, inflammation, and organ dysfunction. Piper betle L. (betel leaf) contains a variety of bioactive metabolites that may exert antihyperuricemic activity through inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO), antioxidant activity, and other biological mechanisms. This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence on the effects of P. betle on uric acid levels and on the activity of xanthine oxidoreductase enzymes, particularly XO and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH), in hyperuricemia models. A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The literature was searched in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Garuda for articles published between 2021 and 2026. Articles were selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, assessed for methodological quality and risk of bias, and synthesized narratively. A total of 482 articles were identified, of which 29 studies met the criteria for final synthesis. Overall, the findings indicate that P. betle has the potential to lower uric acid levels and inhibit XO activity. In vivo and in vitro evidence indicates that XO inhibition is the best-supported mechanism, whereas antioxidant activity and bioactive constituents appear to act as supporting mechanisms. Evidence regarding XDH remains limited. Heterogeneity in cultivar, plant part, extraction method, dose, hyperuricemia model, and outcome measures constitutes the principal limitation. P. betle is a promising candidate for development as a natural antihyperuricemic agent; however, standardization and further mechanistic validation are required.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Medika

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Nursing Public Health

Description

Jurnal Medika Nusantara mencakup artikel di bidang ilmu kesehatan dan Kedokteran. Kami menyediakan akses terbuka (open access) bagi para akademisi dan praktisi serta mahasiswa kesehatan yang ingin mendapatkan artikel dalam Jurnal Jurnal Medika ...