AUTHOR

Francis Gerwin U. Jalipa, Leonardo M. Aya-ay, Jr. Cyril James T. Bual, Kay Kashmyra T. Chio, Sudarshan M. Gherade, Vanessa C. Layug, Leslie Love A. Moral, Herminigilda Nartatez, MD, Darleen A. Occeña, Krishan Mir A. Quico, Ma. Eva C. San Juan, PhD, Kevin Christopher R. Sunga, Melinda C. Tagle, MD, Genevieve D. Tupas, MD, and Amanda K. Wonosantoso

KEYWORDS:

Sechium edule, gout, hyperuricemic agent, toxicity dose, alternative medicine

ABSTRACT

Gout is an often painful and distressing disease that results from a high concentration of uric acid in the body. Conventional medicines are available for the lowering uric acid levels. Recently, however, there began a search for cheaper and more readily availble treatments options for gout. This study was focused on Chayote (Sechium edule) leaf extract as a serum uric acid lowering agent. The study aimed to determine acute toxicity dose, approximate effective dose (AED), and effective dose (ED₅₀) of Chayote leaf extract. The extract was given to mice to test toxicity, while the AED and ED₅₀ were determined in pyrazinamide-induced hyperuricemic rabbits. It was found that AED ranged from 63.10 mg/kg to 251.19 mg.kg, while ED_50­ Pribit analysis of the leaf extract was 155.30 mg/kg. Results from the toxicity test lead to the leaf extract’s classification as Category 5 of the Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling Chemicals, rendering it as non-toxic.