Simiao Powder as an Effective Remedy for Gout

Abstract

Gout is an increasing metabolic disease due to the buildup of uric acid. The buildup of uric acid due to inadequate excretion leads to uric acid crystal formation. Treatment for gout aims to eliminate the uric acid crystal formation so that inflammation decreases. Traditional gout medication is usually allopurinol, but increasing studies have proven that herbal remedies may be promising. Over the past few years, studies have demonstrated that Simiao powder, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is more effective than allopurinol in reducing elevated uric acid. The four main herbs in Simiao powder, Cyathulae Radix, Coicis Semen, Atractoylodes Lancea, and Phellodendri Chinrnsis Cortex combined, possess anti-inflammatory properties that can effectively reduce uric acid. Simiao powder also has properties that can treat metabolic syndrome, which often coexists with gout. Though TCM can be more effective in some ways, combining TCM with Western medicine proves that the two can overlap effectively. The success of Simiao powder opens the door to further explorations of TCM in treating modern chronic conditions.