Efficacy of Aristolochia rotunda Linn in hyperuricemia: A randomised standard controlled study

Hyperuricemia (HU) is a health risk that may go undiagnosed and is on the rise in both developed and developing countries. Gout, the most common inflammatory arthritis characterized by painful, disabling acute attack, is widely known to be caused by hyperuricemia. Its prevalence ranges from 2.6% to 36% in different populations. The commonly used drugs for alleviating uric acid and gout have obvious side effects, so herbal therapeutic drugs are in high demand. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Aristolochia rotunda Linn in Hyperuricemia.

Present study was designed as a single-blind randomized standard controlled trial with 20 patients in each group. Participants in the test group were administered A. rotunda Linn 4 gms in two divided doses in capsule form and the control group was given Febuxostat 40 mg once daily after meals for 28 days. Participants were asked to follow up weekly for the assessment of subjective parameters. The objective parameter was assessed pre- and post-trial. The results were analysed statistically.

After the intervention, the test and control groups showed a statistically significant reduction in serum uric acid p = 0.021 and p < 0.01 respectively, while the reduction in the control group was found to be more statistically significant than the test group (p = 0.009). Subjective parameters also showed statistical significance at the end of the trial.

This study shows that the A. rotunda Linn in a dose of 4 gm for 28 days effectively lowers serum uric acid. The trial was registered in the clinical trial registry of India under CTRI No. CTRI//2020/02/031587.