Researchers studied a natural plant extract called Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides (CPP) to see if it could help people with high uric acid levels in their blood. High uric acid can cause gout and kidney problems. The study found that this plant extract appeared to lower uric acid levels by changing the types of bacteria in the gut. The extract increased helpful bacteria and decreased harmful ones, which helped the body get rid of more uric acid through urine. This suggests CPP could be a natural alternative to current medications, though more human studies are needed to confirm these results.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural plant extract could lower high uric acid levels by changing the balance of bacteria in the digestive system
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice with high uric acid levels (specific number of animals not provided in the abstract)
  • Key finding: The plant extract (CPP) reduced uric acid levels and changed gut bacteria in ways that helped the body eliminate more uric acid naturally
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a natural plant-based option might help manage high uric acid, but these are early-stage results from animal studies. People with high uric acid should talk to their doctor before trying new supplements, as human studies are still needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.

The Research Details

Scientists conducted laboratory experiments using mice that had been given high uric acid levels similar to what happens in humans with a condition called hyperuricemia. They gave some mice the plant extract (CPP) and compared them to mice that didn’t receive it. The researchers measured uric acid levels in the blood and urine, looked at kidney inflammation, and analyzed the types of bacteria living in the mice’s digestive systems. They also used advanced testing to understand how the plant extract changed the chemical processes in the body that affect uric acid levels.

This research approach is important because it helps scientists understand not just whether something works, but also how it works. By looking at gut bacteria and the body’s chemical processes, researchers can explain the connection between the plant extract, bacterial changes, and uric acid reduction. This type of detailed investigation is necessary before testing in humans.

This is a controlled laboratory study, which is a good starting point for new treatments. However, results from animal studies don’t always translate directly to humans. The study appears thorough in measuring multiple factors (bacteria types, uric acid levels, kidney health, and chemical pathways), which strengthens the findings. The research was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication.

What the Results Show

The plant extract (CPP) successfully reduced high uric acid levels in mice with the condition. The extract also reduced inflammation in the kidneys, which is important because high uric acid can damage kidney function. When researchers examined the gut bacteria, they found that CPP increased the overall variety of bacteria and boosted levels of helpful bacteria species like Parabacteroides and Roseburia. At the same time, it reduced harmful bacteria that cause inflammation, particularly a type called Lachnoclostridium_B. The mice that received CPP also excreted more uric acid through their urine, which is how the body naturally gets rid of excess uric acid.

Chemical analysis showed that CPP improved the body’s ability to maintain proper uric acid balance by affecting several metabolic pathways—essentially the chemical processes the body uses to process uric acid. The researchers found clear connections between the changes in gut bacteria, the amount of uric acid being eliminated, and improvements in kidney function, suggesting these factors work together.

Current medications for high uric acid work but can have side effects and don’t always work well for everyone. This research adds to growing evidence that natural plant compounds might offer alternatives by working through the gut bacteria system. Previous studies have shown that gut bacteria affect uric acid levels, and this research provides specific evidence about which bacteria are helpful and how a plant extract can encourage their growth.

This study was conducted only in mice, not humans, so results may not apply the same way to people. The abstract doesn’t specify how many mice were used, which makes it harder to assess the strength of the findings. The study doesn’t compare CPP directly to current medications, so we don’t know if it works better, worse, or the same. Long-term effects and optimal dosing for humans are unknown. More research in humans is essential before CPP can be recommended as a treatment.

The Bottom Line

Based on this early research, CPP shows promise as a potential natural approach to managing high uric acid levels. However, confidence in this recommendation is LOW because it’s only been tested in animals. Current medical treatments remain the first-line option. Anyone with high uric acid should continue working with their doctor rather than self-treating with supplements.

People with high uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) or gout should be aware of this research, as should their healthcare providers. However, this is not yet ready for practical use outside of further research. People taking uric acid medications should NOT stop or change their treatment based on this study.

In the mice studied, effects appeared relatively quickly, but timelines for human benefits are completely unknown. If human studies eventually confirm these findings, it would likely take weeks to months to see meaningful changes in uric acid levels, similar to current medications.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Once human studies confirm safety, users could track weekly uric acid levels (via blood tests ordered by their doctor) alongside any CPP supplementation, noting any changes in gout symptoms or joint pain
  • Users interested in this research could use the app to log dietary choices that support healthy gut bacteria (fiber-rich foods, fermented foods) while waiting for human clinical trials, and track digestive health markers
  • Establish a baseline uric acid level with a doctor, then track changes monthly if using any CPP supplement in the future, while also monitoring kidney function through regular medical checkups

This research is preliminary and was conducted only in laboratory mice. It does not yet provide evidence that Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides (CPP) is safe or effective in humans. Do not use this information to self-treat high uric acid or gout. Anyone with high uric acid levels should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, as some supplements can interact with medications or cause side effects. Current medical treatments prescribed by doctors remain the evidence-based standard of care. This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.