Objective To explore the probable mechanism of the water extract of Jixuecao [Centella asiatica]in treating hyperuricemia. Methods Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank group

model group

Benzbromarone group and Jixuecao group

12 for each. The hyperuricemia model was built in groups except the blank group. In each group

the serum uric acid（ UA） level

urine UA level and the 24 h urine volume were detected before and after modeling as well as on the 7th

14 th and 21 st day of drug administration

and the 24 h UA volume was calculated. Results Compared with the blank group

after modeling

serum UA level

urine UA level and 24 h urine volume in each group increased significantly（ P < 0. 01）. Compared with the model group

after drug administration

serum UA level

urine UA level and 24 h urine volume in Benzbromarone group and Jixuecao group declined significantly; on the 7th day

the 24 h urine volume in Benzbromarone group descended

while that in Jixuecao group ascended（ P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01）. Compared with Benzbromarone group

on the 7th day after drug administration

serum UA level and 24 h urine volume in Jixuecao group increased

while urine UA level and 24 h UA volume decreased（ P < 0. 05）. Conclusion The water extract of Jixuecao could lower serum UA level

urine UA level and24 h UA volume in hyperuricemia rat models

and increased the 24 h urine volume. Its effect on the UA metabolism may be the potential mechanism of treating hyperuricemia.