Today’s second short gout question is about natural uricosuric agent.
I think I’m like many other gout sufferers - a little wary of taking too many medications. But it’s funny how our reactions change to so-called natural products.
Colchicine is a common gout medication. It’s derived from autumn crocus, yet few people would regard it as a natural product.
Many so-called natural, or herbal, gout remedies are far removed from their natural sources. Most are pounded, processed and packaged to a form far removed from anything that might be regarded as natural. The truth is, for most natural gout remedies to have any noticeable effect, the gout relieving compounds need to be extracted and concentrated. These processes, though necessary, render products which are as highly processed as medications, but without the safety controls that cover drug licensing in most countries.
Leaving that aside, it still begs the question, “Are there any natural uricosuric agents?”
First, you have to understand what a uricosuric agent is. It is simply something that promotes the excretion of uric acid. There is more information about this in the Treatment Section on GoutPal.com. My research has found little evidence of natural uricosuric agents. Not surprising really, as very little proper scientific research is done in this area - no drug company sponsorship, I guess.
As far as gout treatments go, there is a separate type of treatment. Xanthine oxidase inhibition (or blocking) is a common form of medical treatment, usually administered in the form of allopurinol. I am researching natural alternatives to this, and I have found many. Whether they can be turned into effective treatments remains to be seen. I will be reporting my findings on natural xanthine oxidase inhibitors soon. Could do with a catchier title though - how about natural allopurinol?
I hope this gives you some good pointers on where to look for natural uricosuric agent information. If you need more, consult the Gout Questions page.
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