Filipino researchers develop herbal medicine for gout

Researchers from the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila Institute of Herbal Medicine of the National Institute of Health (NIH) have developed a herbal medicine made from “ulasimang bato” as an alternative treatment for gout and hyperuricemia.

According to Prof. Jade Rodriguez, "ulasimang bato" has long been used in traditional Philippine medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperuricemic properties, making it one of the endorsed medicinal plants of the Department of Health.

While it has been part of local medicinal practices for years, the UP Manila research team has gone further by clinically proving its effectiveness and formulating it into an easy-to-take tablet. During clinical trials, participants experienced a progressive reduction in uric acid levels, with a 40 percent decrease by Day 14. This continued to 63 percent by Day 28 and up to 78 percent by Day 49.

“Our research shows that Ulasimang Bato has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemia properties. It could be a safer, more natural way for Filipinos to manage gout without the risks linked to synthetic drugs,” Rodriguez said, adding that no adverse effects were reported, unlike those sometimes caused by conventional gout medications that pose kidney and liver risks.

With promising results, Rodriguez noted that UP Manila is working to make the “ulasimang bato” tablet accessible to the public. The university’s Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO) is seeking partners to help bring the herbal remedy to market.

Gout affects more than 41 million people worldwide, including about 1.6 million Filipinos, causing severe joint pain, swelling, and discomfort that can hinder daily activities. Although medications like allopurinol and febuxostat can lower uric acid levels, they can also have side effects that affect kidney and liver function.