Natural Bioactive Compounds: Emerging Therapies for Hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia is a crucial feature of metabolic syndrome, characterized by elevated uric acid that causes urate crystal deposits in joints, kidneys, and subcutaneous tissues, resulting in gout and hyperuricemic nephropathy. The primary causes of uric acid metabolism disorder include overproduction and reduced excretion. The majority of uric acid in human body is derived from the breakdown of purine nucleotides. Overproduction of uric acid can result from increased concentration or activity of xanthine oxidase, the key enzyme responsible for uric acid synthesis. Alterations in the activity of proteins responsible for uric acid reabsorption and excretion can also affect serum uric acid. Many bioactive compounds derived from natural plants have been shown to inhibit xanthine oxidase activity to reduce uric acid production, modulate the activity of transport proteins to promote uric acid excretion, or alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation through various signaling pathways. These properties have garnered significant attention from researchers. In this paper, we first introduce the pathophysiological mechanisms of hyperuricemia, then summarize bioactive compounds with urate-lowering effects, and discuss their potential applications in treating hyperuricemia and its complications.