Traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of patients with hyperuricemia: A randomized placebo‐controlled double‐blinded clinical trial

Abstract

BackgroundStudies have demonstrated the association of hyperuricemia with hypertension, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and chronic renal disease. Although Western medicine presents promising effects for treating hyperuricemia and gout, identifying a safe and effective alternative to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating hyperuricemia is essential.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM formulas, “Wu‐Ling San” and “Yin Chen Wu‐Ling San,” in patients with hyperuricemia.MethodsA randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial in adults with hyperuricemia was conducted. Sixty patients with serum urate level higher than 8 mg/dL were enrolled in the study. Patients were then randomized into three arms: “Wu‐Ling San,” “Yin Chen Wu‐Ling San,” and placebo for 4 weeks. Efficacy and safety were evaluated at weeks 2, 4, and 8. Primary and secondary endpoints were set to evaluate the serum urate concentration and related indicators at weeks 2, 4, and 8.ResultsNo significant differences were observed among the three arms in terms of the serum urate level (<6 mg/dL) at week 4. The serum urate level was lower in the “Yin Chen Wi‐Ling” arm at week 8 (8.1 mg/dL vs. 9.1 mg/dL, p = .034). The serum urate levels were significantly different in both the “Wu‐Ling San” and “Yin Chen Wu‐Ling San” arms from those at the baseline (p < .05).ConclusionsTwo TCM formulas were found to be relatively safe for the short‐term treatment of the patients with hyperuricemia. No statistically significant difference was observed in reaching the target–serum urate level <6 mg/dL.

Efficacy of adalimumab combined with Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F in the treatment of patient with rheumatoid arthritis: A multicenter, open‐label, randomized‐controlled trial

“…26,27 The effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine on rheumatic diseases has been long discussed. 28 The current study found that ADA combined with TwHF was effective in treating RA patients who did not respond well to MTX and that there were no significant differences in efficacy and safety in the treatment of ADA combined with TwHF and ADA combined with MTX. Previous studies have shown that TwHF monotherapy for RA is not less effective than MTX monotherapy and that the combination of TwHF and MTX is more effective than MTX alone.…”

Association between serum uric acid levels and lung function in the NHANES cohort (2007–2012): A cross‐sectional analysis of a diverse American population

“…47 In addition, the role of herbs in lowering uric acid should not be overlooked. 48,49 Lifestyle adjustments involve reducing the intake of purine-rich foods and increasing water consumption. 50 Future research should explore safer and more personalized treatment options.…”

“…In terms of medication, drugs like allopurinol and febuxostat reduce uric acid production by inhibiting xanthine oxidase 47 . In addition, the role of herbs in lowering uric acid should not be overlooked 48,49 . Lifestyle adjustments involve reducing the intake of purine‐rich foods and increasing water consumption 50 .…”

Hyperuricemia: Current State and Prospects

“…Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and edible plants have emerged as alternative treatments for HU [38]. Long-term clinical practice with TCM formulas has shown relative safety for short-term HU treatment [39]. TCM and natural products offer similar UA-lowering efficacy as Western medicine but with fewer adverse effects [40].…”