Portulaca oleracea extract found to effectively lower uric acid levels and improve kidney health

Herbs And Phytochemicals: Breakthrough Research Sheds Light on Natural Hyperuricemia Treatment
A new study from researchers at Jilin University, China, reveals that Portulaca oleracea (PO), a commonly known wild edible plant, could provide a promising natural treatment for hyperuricemia (HUA). Hyperuricemia is a condition associated with high uric acid levels in the blood, often leading to painful conditions like gout. Through extensive research using network pharmacology combined with experimental validation, the scientists have identified the active compounds in Portulaca oleracea that contribute to its anti-hyperuricemic effects.


Portulaca oleracea extract found to effectively lower uric acid levels and improve kidney health

What is Hyperuricemia and Why Does it Matter?
Hyperuricemia occurs when the body either produces too much uric acid or fails to excrete it properly. Uric acid is a waste product formed by the breakdown of purines, which are found in certain foods and drinks. A high concentration of uric acid can lead to crystal formations in the joints, causing inflammation and intense pain, commonly known as gout. Long-term hyperuricemia can also cause kidney problems, leading to more severe health conditions.
 
This Herbs and Phytochemicals news report covers the researchers' efforts to understand the mechanism of Portulaca oleracea (PO) in addressing hyperuricemia. The study suggests that Portulaca oleracea can significantly reduce uric acid levels and promote kidney health by influencing key pathways in the body. Researchers from Jilin University, China, have shown how this plant could be an effective alternative to current medications that may cause side effects.
 
The Study’s Key Findings
In the study, researchers gathered Portulaca oleracea (PO) samples from different regions in China, including Sichuan, Henan, Guangdong, and Jilin, to examine the plant’s bioactive components and their effects on hyperuricemia. They focused on understanding the underlying mechanism through which PO impacts the body, particularly its ability to inhibit enzymes and proteins involved in uric acid production and reabsorption.
 
-Identification of Key Compounds
Using advanced technologies like UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS, the researchers isolated two key compounds from Portulaca oleracea: berberine and stachydrine. Berberine, in particular, has been shown to inhibit xanthine oxidase (XOD), an enzyme responsible for converting purines into uric acid. The inhibition of XOD effectively reduces uric acid production. Additionally, berberine demonstrated strong binding activity with XOD through molecular docking techniques, suggesting its potential as a natural inhibitor of uric acid formation.
 
-Mechanism of Action
The research also highlighted that Portulaca oleracea doesn’t just limit uric acid production but also promotes its excretion from the body. The study identif ied that Portulaca oleracea inhibited urate transporter proteins like GLUT9 and URAT1, which are involved in the reabsorption of uric acid by the kidneys. By inhibiting these transporters, Portulaca oleracea reduces the amount of uric acid retained in the body, thus facilitating its excretion.
 
Moreover, Portulaca oleracea was shown to enhance the expression of ABCG2, a protein that plays a critical role in the excretion of uric acid. This dual action - reducing uric acid production and promoting its removal - makes Portulaca oleracea an excellent candidate for managing hyperuricemia naturally.
 
-Experimental Validation in Mice
To validate their findings, the researchers conducted experiments on mice with hyperuricemia. The mice were divided into different groups and treated with varying doses of Portulaca oleracea extract. The results were compelling: mice that received higher doses of Portulaca oleracea showed significantly lower levels of uric acid compared to untreated mice. In addition, the PO-treated mice exhibited improved kidney health, as evidenced by histopathological analysis, which revealed minimal tissue damage.
 
Serum uric acid levels were markedly reduced in mice that received high doses of Portulaca oleracea, comparable to those treated with the conventional drugs allopurinol and benzbromarone. Importantly, Portulaca oleracea showed no signs of renal injury, a side effect often observed with pharmaceutical treatments, underscoring its potential as a safer alternative.
 
The Advantages of Natural Remedies
Allopurinol and benzbromarone, the most commonly prescribed drugs for hyperuricemia, come with side effects that range from gastrointestinal discomfort to, in rare cases, severe hypersensitivity reactions. Natural remedies like Portulaca oleracea offer a multi-target approach to managing diseases like hyperuricemia with fewer side effects.
 
In traditional medicine, Portulaca oleracea has long been revered for its detoxifying and diuretic properties. Commonly consumed in many countries, such as Spain, Greece, India and China, it has been used to treat a variety of ailments, from inflammation to diabetes. This research confirms that Portulaca oleracea can be used to lower uric acid levels naturally, adding to its long list of health benefits.
 
Geographical Differences in Efficacy
Interestingly, the study also found that Portulaca oleracea samples from Sichuan Province were more effective in inhibiting XOD activity than those from other regions. The researchers speculate that the differences in climate, soil quality, and cultivation practices may lead to variations in the plant’s bioactive compounds. This finding supports the importance of “dao-di” herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, a concept that refers to herbs harvested from specific regions known for producing superior medicinal properties.
 
Conclusion
The research on Portulaca oleracea provides strong evidence that this plant, commonly known as purslane, can effectively lower uric acid levels and improve kidney function in individuals with hyperuricemia. By inhibiting xanthine oxidase and urate transporters while promoting uric acid excretion, Portulaca oleracea offers a comprehensive, natural approach to managing this condition.
 
These findings are especially relevant as the global incidence of hyperuricemia continues to rise, largely due to changes in dietary habits that include higher purine consumption. As the search for effective and safer treatments continues, the potential of Portulaca oleracea as a functional food is promising. This research could pave the way for further studies and even the development of Portulaca oleracea-based supplements or medications for people suffering from high uric acid levels.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Nutrients.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/20/3549
 
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