Beneficial properties and mechanisms of natural phytochemicals to combat and prevent hyperuricemia and gout

Hyperuricemia refers to a metabolic disorder associated with high serum uric acid levels and is regarded as a major risk factor not only for the development of gout but also for various chronic diseases. However, current clinical hypouricemic medications still have some undesired side effects and are contraindicated by multiple comorbidities. Thus, the development of natural therapeutic products as novel, safe, and effective alternatives to pharmacological agents is urgently needed. This review mainly focuses on the research progress of phytochemicals in the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. Additionally, the chemical structure, specific mechanism, and effective dose of natural phytochemicals are comprehensively highlighted. Many in vivo and/or in vitro studies have indicated that phytochemicals derived from natural sources, including alkaloids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, possess the beneficial properties of downregulating uric acid levels and dissolving monosodium urate crystals. Therefore, they have great potential to be novel and safe agents that can prevent and combat hyperuricemia and gout.