Antihyperuricemic and anti-gouty Arthritis Activities of <i>Aurantii Fructus Immaturus</i> carbonisata-derived Carbon Dots

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> To explore the antihyperuricemia and anti-gouty arthritis activities of <i>Aurantii fructus immaturus</i> carbonisata-derived carbon dots (AFIC-CDs). <b>Materials & methods:</b> The AFIC-CDs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy; high-resolution transmission electron microscopy; ultraviolet, fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; high-performance liquid chromatography; and x-ray diffraction. Antihyperuricemia and anti-gouty arthritis activities of AFIC-CDs were explored <i>in vivo</i> and <i>in vitro</i>. <b>Results:</b> The AFIC-CDs diameter ranged from 1.1 to 4.4 nm, with a yield of 7.2%. AFIC-CDs reduced serum uric acid by inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity in hyperuricemia rats and inhibited xanthine oxidase activity <i>in vitro</i>. AFIC-CDs improved gouty arthritis induced by monosodium urate crystals <i>in vivo</i> and <i>in vitro</i>. <b>Conclusion:</b> AFIC-CDs may be a potential treatment for gout.