Anti-hyperuricemia effects of allopurinol are improved by Smilax riparia, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine

摘要

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The roots and rhizomes of Smilax riparia are called "Niu-Wei-Cai" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This botanical has been used in treating the symptoms of gout and other hyperuricemic-related conditions in TCM. Allopurinol is a commonly used medication to treat hyperuricemia and its complications. In this study, we evaluated whether Smilax riparia could enhance allopurinol's effects by decreasing the serum uric acid level in a hyperuricemic mouse model induced by potassium oxonate.