We’ve examined how quercetin, a common flavonoid found in many foods, affects gout, particularly through its influence on xanthine oxidase (XOD)—the enzyme responsible for producing uric acid. The study showed that quercetin can effectively inhibit both uric acid and superoxide radicals generated by XOD.
The inhibition occurs in a mixed-type manner with a concentration that holds potential significance for treatment. Through a mechanism that resembles a ping-pong process, quercetin interacts with a specific binding site on XOD, significantly affecting its activity. This interaction is largely due to attractive forces like van der Waals and hydrogen bonds, which makes it an interesting candidate for gout management.
Furthermore, our exploration using molecular docking revealed that quercetin attaches to the isoalloxazine ring of the flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in the XOD domain. By blocking the diffusion of reactive oxygen species, quercetin helps direct the production of hydrogen peroxide instead.
Overall, this study provides promising insights into the potential benefits of quercetin as a nutritional supplement for reducing gout symptoms and oxidative stress. Its ability to inhibit xanthine oxidase could help avoid high uric acid levels, potentially alleviating gout attacks.