Common St. Paul’s wort is a potent alternative remedy for acute arthritis and gout

The common St. Paul’s wort (Siegesbeckia orientalis L.) contains anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemic properties, which support its use in indigenous medicine as a treatment for gout. The study, published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, examined the biological properties of an n-butanol-soluble fraction (BuOH fr.) of the plant to support its medical relevance.

• To prepare the extract, researchers used the aerial part of the S. orientalis and obtained BuOH fr. and a crude ethanol extract (CEE).
• The anti-hyperuricemic activities of the extracts were tested using rats induced with oxonate to mimic hyperuricemia. Researchers evaluated serum acid levels and inhibitory effects of xanthine oxidase (XO) from the liver.
• Researchers assessed the anti-inflammatory effects of BuOH fr. using a carrageenan-induced paw edema and urate-induced synovitis.
• The chemical properties of BuOH fr. were analyzed using HPLC retention time and spectroscopic data (UV, 1H–NMR) and compared with reference compounds.
• Results revealed that both extracts showed anti-hyperuricemic activity; however, BuOH fr. exhibited the most active portions.
• In vivo studies also revealed that BuOH fr. reduced other markers for hyperuricemia and inflammation.

The findings suggest that S. orientalis has anti-hyperuricemic and anti-inflammatory properties, due to the effects of its phenolic components.

Read the full text of the study at this link.

Discover more plants that relieve gout and arthritis at Herbs.news.

Journal Reference:

Nguyen TD, Thuong PT, Hwang IH, Hoang TKH, Nguyen MK, Nguyen HA, Na M. ANTI-HYPERURICEMIC, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANALGESIC EFFECTS OF SIEGESBECKIA ORIENTALIS L. RESULTING FROM THE FRACTION WITH HIGH PHENOLIC CONTENT. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 4 April 2017;17(191). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1698-z