The Potency of Curcuma domestica Val./Curcuma longa Linn. Active Compounds in Treating Hyperuricemia and Its Complications: A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Hyperuricemia is condition when the level of blood uric acid exceeds 6 mg/dL in women and 7 mg/dL in men. This can be caused by increase in uric acid production, decrease in uric acid excretion, or combination of both. Although often asymptomatic, hyperuricemia can lead to complications such as gout arthritis, gout nephropathy and kidney stones. It also exacerbates comorbidities like chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Pharmacological treatments that are often used include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). However, DMARDs frequently cause side effects. Turmeric (Curcuma domestica Val./Curcuma longa Linn.) contains potential active compounds to be developed into new drugs for hyperuricemia. Objective: This literature study aims to investigate potency of Curcuma domestica Val./Curcuma longa Linn. active compounds in treating hyperuricemia and its complications. Method: This article is a literature review, using reference sources from previous research journals. Results: Active compounds in turmeric, specifically curcumin, can lower uric acid levels through various mechanisms, including the reduction of urate transporter 1 (URAT1) and inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity. Curcumin also inhibits NLRP3-dependent caspase1 activation, reduces IL-1B secretion and exhibits nephroprotective properties by modulating gut microbiota, which helps prevent progressive kidney damage in patients with hyperuricemia. Additionally, this research shows that other active compounds in turmeric have potency in treating hyperuricemia complications by targeting protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. Conclusion: Turmeric contains various active compounds which are potential to treat hyperuricemia and its complications.    Keywords: Curcumin, Curcuma longa Linn., Curcuma domestica Val., Hyperuricemia, Uric Acid, Traditional Medicine, Curcuminoid