UP Manila develops gout treatment tablet from pansit-pansitan

Researchers at the University of the Philippines Manila have created a new gout medication based on ulasimang bato, commonly known as pansit-pansitan. This medication comes in tablet form and has shown promise in lowering uric acid levels in gout patients. Clinical trials revealed that participants experienced a significant reduction in uric acid. By Day 14, levels dropped by 40%. This decrease continued, reaching 63% by Day 28 and up to 78% by Day 49. Importantly, no negative side effects were reported, unlike traditional gout treatments, which can harm kidney and liver health. The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development noted that researchers recommend an initial dose of 80 mg/kg/day, reducing it to 40 mg/kg/day after two weeks. Jade Rodriguez, part of the research team, highlighted that ulasimang bato has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemia properties. About 1.6 million Filipinos suffer from gout, which causes sudden pain, swelling, and redness, especially in the big toe. The University of the Philippines is working to make this new tablet available to the public. They are seeking partners to help bring this herbal medicine to market.