Gynostemma pentaphyllum contains many important compounds such as: rosmarinic acid, lavonoids (luteolin, apigenin), phenolic-rich essential oils.
These compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and inhibitory properties of the enzyme xanthine oxidase - a key enzyme in the uric acid production process.
A study screening compounds from Asian medicinal herbs published in 2026 showed that many plant active ingredients have the ability to inhibit xanthine oxidase - the main target in the treatment of hyperuricemia.
Modern studies show that water spinach can support uric acid excretion through three main mechanisms:
Inhibition of uric acid-creating enzymes
Xanthine oxidase is an enzyme that catalyzes the process of converting purines into uric acid. Inhibiting this enzyme helps reduce the amount of uric acid produced in the body.
Increased kidney excretion
Polyphenol compounds and essential oils in the gonads can mildly stimulate urinary excretion, helping to increase urate excretion through urine - an important physiological mechanism.
Reduces inflammation caused by urate crystals
Menstruate has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce immune response when urate crystals deposit in the joint - a painful factor in gout.
Antioxidant and kidney-protective role
Oxygenated stress is a factor that worsens kidney damage in increased uric acid. Antioxidant compounds in the veins help neutralize free radicals, protect kidney cells, and reduce the risk of fibrosis.
According to meta-studies on NCBI, reducing inflammation and protecting the kidneys is a key factor in long-term treatment of hyperuricemia.
Gynostemma pentaphyllum can be used to eat raw with meals to supplement flavonoids; cook soup or porridge to cool down; steep to drink lightly (fresh or dried leaves).
It can be seen that, from a familiar spice vegetable, water spinach is being viewed by modern science as a potential medicinal material in supporting uric acid control.
Thanks to containing compounds such as rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, this vegetable can simultaneously affect many mechanisms: reduce uric acid production, increase excretion and fight inflammation.
When used properly in the diet, water spinach can become a natural, safe and low-cost solution to support the prevention and control of increased uric acid.
