Comprehensive Treatment of Gout with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Modern Pathophysiological Perspective

Gout, a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by elevated uric acid levels, has numerous adverse health implications. Current medical therapies can control symptoms and lower uric acid, yet they are often limited by adverse effects and incomplete long-term efficacy. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history of application in gout and is reported to provide advantages in both prevention and management. To evaluate its role from a modern biomedical perspective, this review systematically examined literature retrieved from PubMed, CNKI, and Web of Science up to 2024, covering randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and mechanistic investigations. The reviewed evidence indicates that TCM interventions, including classical herbal formulations and acupuncture, have been associated with improvements in inflammatory regulation, uric acid metabolism, symptom relief, and recurrence prevention. Moreover, experimental studies suggest potential protective effects on renal function and joint structures. By integrating clinical data with mechanistic insights, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic potential of TCM in gout and to outline directions for future translational and clinical research.