Potential applications and preliminary mechanism of action of dietary polyphenols against hyperuricemia: A review

Hyperuricemia (HUA), a condition triggered by high serum uric acid (UA) levels in blood, seems to be the main, if not the only, risk factor for gout. The condition is also an independent risk factor for kidney and cardiovascular diseases. Currently, UA synthesis inhibitors and UA excretion promoters are the available drug classes used to treat HUA. Although these drugs help lowering the UA levels, many exhibit serious side effects. Previous studies have revealed the impact of dietary polyphenols against HUA. Polyphenols are an important class of natural compounds, which includes flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans. Common food such as fruits, vegetables, berries, tea, and cocoa are all rich in polyphenols. Unlike anti-hyperuricemia drugs, the intake of polyphenols from diet has little or no side effects. In this paper, the source, mechanism and efficacy of dietary polyphenols against HUA are reviewed, ans treatment limitations and recommendations discussed.