Does Tongkat Ali Lowers Uric Acid? Here is how it may help prevent uric acid build up, gout, arthritis and hyperuricemia
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Overview
High uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) can lead to the formation of urate crystals in the joints, resulting in painful gout attacks, or known as inflammatory arthritis. These monosodium urate (MSU) crystals can accumulate in the kidneys, contributing to the development of kidney stones and, in some cases, chronic kidney disease.
But truth is, gout and high uric acid levels are often triggered by dietary choices that increase the body’s uric acid production. For instance, if you are eating high-purine foods such as red meat, organ meats, shellfish, anchovies, and sardines, along with excessive consumption of alcohol (especially beer) and sugary energy drinks high in fructose then you may consider taking herbal supplements to reduce sudden spike of uric acid buildups.
While uric acid levels can be managed, there are quick-fix remedies.
Common FDA-approved treatments and over-the-counter (OTC) options used by Americans for managing gout and high uric acid (hyperuricemia) includes Allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim), Febuxostat (Uloric), Probenecid, Pegloticase, NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen).
And there are natural remedies too.
Additionally, American consumers are now opting for natural supplements may such as Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) which lowers uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine and triglycerides through hormonal balance, whilst reducing oxidative stress by inhibiting xanthine oxidase (XOD) activities.
“Asian herbs such as Tongkat Ali is seen as an alternative by the Chinese researchers in managing gout by lowering uric acid levels whilst enabling greater metabolic and cardiovascular health” said a former representative from the American Botanical Council (ABC).
Meanwhile research analyst from AKARALI showed that standardized Tongkat Ali hot water extract using Physta® technology recorded a reduction of uric acid levels in a human clinical study.
“Standardized Tongkat Ali supplements can be considered as an effective, safe and sustainable long-term remedy to those suffering from frequent gout due to growing clinical evidence, but one needs to watch his or her diet extensively throughout the supplementation period and taking the right dosage” said Shahid Shayaa, CEO and Founder of AKARALI.
Clinical Studies: Evidence
There are several rising research studies and clinical evidence showing the effectiveness of Tongkat Ali in reducing uric acid build ups, thus preventing risks of gout at appropriate doses between 100mg to 200mg daily.
Here is some of the supporting evidence:
A study published on Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research in 2017 showed how various Tongkat Ali extracts affects hyperuricemia (high blood uric acid) in rats induced by adenine, yeast extract, and potassium oxonate.
The Chinese researchers from the University of Technology Wuhan found that most Tongkat Ali extracts significantly reduced serum uric acid levels and increased urinary excretion of uric acid and creatinine (P < 0.05) and additionally inhibited xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity in both blood and liver (P < 0.01). The study further suggests the use of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) for developing plant-based treatments for hyperuricemia (and those with gout).
Another 2021 placebo-controlled clinical study on 105 men showed that Physta® standardized tongkat ali extract 100 mg group reduced from 5.692 ± 1.355 mg/dL at baseline to 5.035 ± 0.984 mg/dL (7% reduction), while the group taking 200mg daily showed a greater reduction of uric acid levels from 5.594 ± 1.424 to 5.198 ± 1.128 mg/dL (11% decline)
This shows taking Tongkat Ali between 100mg, 200mg and higher dose may reduce uric acid levels and preventing the risks of gout, or joint flares.
But truth is, gout and high uric acid levels are often triggered by dietary choices that increase the body’s uric acid production. For instance, if you are eating high-purine foods such as red meat, organ meats, shellfish, anchovies, and sardines, along with excessive consumption of alcohol (especially beer) and sugary energy drinks high in fructose then you may consider taking herbal supplements to reduce sudden spike of uric acid buildups.
While uric acid levels can be managed, there are quick-fix remedies.
Common FDA-approved treatments and over-the-counter (OTC) options used by Americans for managing gout and high uric acid (hyperuricemia) includes Allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim), Febuxostat (Uloric), Probenecid, Pegloticase, NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen).
And there are natural remedies too.
Effects of Tongkat Ali on Biomarkers for gout prevention
Experts believe that gout and high uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) often correlate with several metabolic and renal health parameters. Based on the recent human studies on Tongkat Ali, further assessment showed the following gout-related health marker improvements such as blood urea nitrogen, triglycerides and serum creatinine after taking standardized Tongkat Ali hot-water root extract:
1. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Relevance: BUN reflects the health status of the kidney function and nitrogen metabolism. And impaired kidney function can affect uric acid excretion, leading to elevated levels. Recent Tongkat Ali study showed reduction of blood urea nitrogen levels based on 100mg and 200mg daily dosage which can indirect benefit those diagnosed with mild to severe gout.
Observed values:
- Tongkat Ali Physta® (100 mg) : ↓ from 12.33 to 11.58 mg/dL
- Tongkat Ali Physta® (200 mg): ↓ from 11.41 to 11.32 mg/dL
2. Serum Creatinine
Relevance: Medical professionals believe that serum creatinine is a direct indicator of kidney filtration (GFR) where high creatinine in your body may reflect a poor kidney function that produce less-than-optimal levels of uric acid excretion. Now this results in a higher risk of gout especially those who are exposed to high level of alcohol consumption and poor diet (eg: excessive seafood).
Observed values:
- Tongkat Ali Physta® (100 mg): ↓ from 0.911 to 0.820 mg/dL (10% drop)
- Tongkat Ali Physta® (200 mg): ↓ from 0.871 to 0.827 mg/dL
3. Triglycerides
Relevance: Triglycerides are often elevated in a metabolic syndrome, where high levels of triglycerides may signal poor purine metabolism or insulin resistance – which often reported as a strong risk factor for gout. Tongkat Ali studies showed a reduction in triglycerides in healthy adults, enabling a healthier purine metabolism for gout prevention with proper diet, exercise and nutrition.
Observed values:
- Tongkat Ali Physta® (100 mg): ↓ from 151.3 to 141.1 mg/dL
- Tongkat Ali Physta® (200 mg): ↓ from 159.1 to 157.5 mg/dL
Parting Thoughts
As a mindful approach to nutrition, combined with regular exercise and reduced intake of trigger foods, Tongkat Ali may be used as a daily supplement long term to reduce risks of gout, chronic joint condition caused by crystal build up (or arthritis) by supporting a healthier renal function, kidney function and metabolic health.
Our conclusion showed that there is strong initial clinical evidence showing improvements in biomarkers for gout health – notably in areas such as blood urea nitrogen, triglycerides and serum creatinine after taking standardized Tongkat Ali hot-water root extract.
While the efficacy and potency may vary from one individual to another (based on BMI, dosage and type of extract), using clinically tested standardized Tongkat Ali provides a safer natural alternative remedy for gout patients, making it a preferred long-term option to those who are seeking beyond FDA-approved medications, synthetic drugs of OTC medicines.