UPM develops anti-gout tablet from 'ulasimang bato'

Leading herbal medicine experts from the University of the Philippines Manila have developed an anti-gout tablet derived from the Peperomia pellucida plant, commonly known as 'ulasimang bato' or 'pansit-pansitan', which could benefit around 1.6 million Filipinos with gout.

Professor Jade Rodriguez announced at a pharmaceutical exhibition that the herbal tablet effectively reduces uric acid levels, offering a safer alternative to synthetic drugs like allopurinol and febuxostat without causing adverse side effects.

Clinical trials showed a significant reduction in uric acid levels among participants; by Day 14, there was a 40% decrease, reaching up to 63% by Day 28 and up to 78% by Day 49.

The DOST's Philippine Council for Health Research and Development recommended an initial dosage of 80 mg/kg/day, which can be lowered to 40 mg/kg/day after two weeks.

Gout is characterized by intense pain, swelling, or tenderness, often in the big toe, according to the Mayo Clinic.

UP Manila is working with its Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO) to find partners to bring this herbal medicine to market.