Uric acid is a byproduct of purine metabolism. High levels of uric acid in the blood can cause gout, a serious form of arthritis. To control gout, some treatments include dietary changes and medications that lower uric acid.
In recent years, chives have been studied as a uric acid-lowering herb due to the bioactive compounds found in them. Many scientific studies have shown the effectiveness of chives in supporting the treatment of problems related to high uric acid levels.
A notable study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that chives contain compounds such as allicin and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects and are especially capable of reducing uric acid levels in the body. These compounds not only reduce the formation of uric acid but also help reduce inflammation in the joints, helping to relieve the symptoms of gout. The study also showed that chives can inhibit the activity of the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is mainly involved in the process of converting purines into uric acid. When this enzyme is inhibited, the production of uric acid will decrease, contributing to reducing uric acid levels in the blood.
Tests from another study showed that chives not only reduced uric acid levels but also improved kidney function, increasing the ability to excrete uric acid through urine. This is important in reducing the risk of urate crystal formation, the main cause of acute gout attacks.
In addition, the World Health Organization also encourages the use of highly safe herbs such as chives in the treatment of purine metabolism disorders, especially for patients with gout. However, the World Health Organization also notes that the use of herbs should be done under the supervision of a doctor and combined with other treatments for maximum effectiveness.
