Prunus mume Alleviates Hyperuricemic Renal Injury: Insights From Network Pharmacology and Experimental Models

Prunus mume (PM), the dried flower bud of a Rosaceae plant, has a long history of use for its liver-soothing, depression-relieving, and appetite-stimulating effects. Recently, PM has gained attention for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and uric acid-lowering properties. The chemical composition of PM was analyzed using network pharmacology and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The therapeutic potential of PM for hyperuricemia-induced kidney damage was evaluated in a quail model. Antioxidant activity in an HK-2 cell model of hyperuricemia was assessed by measuring the levels of MDA, SOD, and GSH. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory potential was examined using ELISA to measure TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Western blotting was employed to study the effects on URAT1, GLUT9, and the PI3K/AKT pathway. LC-MS identified 284 compounds in PM, with 35 predicted active ingredients. The quail model demonstrated PM's protective effects on the kidneys under hyperuricemic conditions. In vitro, PM reduced oxidative stress and lowered TNF-α and IL-6 levels. It also modulated URAT1 and GLUT9 expression and influenced the PI3K/AKT pathway. PM shows promise in protecting kidneys from hyperuricemia-induced damage, likely through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, as well as the regulation of urate transport proteins and the PI3K/AKT pathway.