A review on benefits of quercetin in hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis

Abstract

Hyperuricemia becomes a public health problem worldwide. It is not only a major risk factor for gout but also associated with the development of life-threatening diseases such as chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases. Although there are several available therapeutic drugs, some serious adverse effects and contraindications are concerned. These drive the search for an alternative therapy that is effective and safe. Quercetin is of particular interesting since it has been reported numerous pharmacological activities, especially anti-hyperuricemia, antioxidant, anti-inflammation and amelioration of metabolic syndromes and cardiovascular diseases which are comorbidities of hyperuricemia and gout. In addition, quercetin has been widely used as a health supplement for many diseases however, the use for hyperuricemia and gout has not been indicated. Therefore, this review aims to gather and summarize published data regarding the efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies along with possible mechanism of action, and safety aspect of quercetin in order to support the use of quercetin as a dietary supplement for prevention and management of hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis and/or use as alternative or combination therapy to minimize the side effects of the conventional drugs.

Keywords: Antioxidant; Gout; Hyperuricemia; NLRP3 inflammasome; Quercetin.

Fig. 1

Chemical structure of quercetin.

Fig. 2

Urate production and excretion in human body. 5′NT, 5′-nucleotidase; ADA, adenosine deaminase; AMPD, AMP deaminase; KHK, ketohexokinase; PNP, purine nucleoside phosphorylase; XO, xanthine oxidase; XDH, xanthine dehydrogenase.

Fig. 3

NLRP3 inflammasome priming and activation in gouty arthritis.