Clinical efficacy of gouty tea on chronic gouty arthritis and its effects on serum vascular endothelial function and inflammatory cytokines.

ABSTRACT

To observe the efficacy of Gouty Tea on chronic gouty arthritis and its effect on vascular endothelial function and inflammatory factor levels. Totally 120 patients with chronic gouty arthritis were divided into control group (allopurinol orally, 100 mg/time, tid, for 12 weeks) and observation group (Gouty Tea, 1 bag/time, tid, for 12 weeks) randomly (n=60 per group). Compared with those before treatment, the TCM symptom scores, visual analogue score (VAS) and the levels of UA and XOD of the two groups were reduced, while the levels of NO, ET-1, VEGF, vWF, CRP, IL-1ß, TNF- α and NALP3 of the two groups improved, 6 and 12 weeks after treatment (P< 0.05). Nevertheless, after 6 weeks of treatment, there were no significantly difference of the level of VAS between the two groups. After 12 weeks of treatment, in the observation group, VAS was significantly lower compared to the control group. The TCM symptom scores and the levels of UA and XOD were significantly lower, while the levels of NO, ET-1, VEGF, vWF, CRP, IL-1ß TNF- α and NALP3 were significantly better in the observation group than those of the control group 12 weeks after treatment (P< 0.05). The total effective rate was significantly higher and the incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group (P< 0.05). Gouty Tea can effectively reduce the UA, XOD levels and VAS, effectively improve the vascular endothelial function and inhibit the inflammation of patients.