Haritaki and Uric Acid: What Did a 24-Week Human Study Find?

Why Are Researchers Looking at Haritaki and Uric Acid?

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is best known for its long history in Ayurveda. But one lesser-known area of modern Haritaki research involves uric acid.

In 2016, researchers in Hyderabad, India conducted a randomized, double-blind clinical pilot study involving 110 adults with hyperuricemia, meaning they had elevated blood uric acid levels. PubMed Central (PMC)

And Haritaki was one of the botanicals they tested.

What Happened During the Study?

Participants were divided among five groups receiving Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, the prescription medication febuxostat, or placebo. The Haritaki group received a standardized aqueous Terminalia chebula extract at 500 mg twice daily for 24 weeks. PubMed Central (PMC)

Researchers measured serum uric acid repeatedly throughout the study.

Among participants who completed the trial, the Haritaki group's average uric acid level went from 7.76 mg/dL at baseline to 6.42 mg/dL after 24 weeks. The placebo group's average level increased during the same period. PubMed Central (PMC)

Why Might Haritaki Affect Uric Acid?

One hypothesis involves an enzyme called xanthine oxidase, which participates in uric acid production.

The study authors discussed xanthine-oxidase inhibition as a possible mechanism behind the botanical effects being investigated. However, a proposed biological mechanism is not the same thing as proving a clinical treatment effect. PubMed Central (PMC)

Does This Mean Haritaki Treats Gout?

No conclusion that broad can be drawn from this study.

This was a relatively small pilot trial, only 18 people in the Haritaki group completed the 24 weeks, and researchers tested a particular standardized aqueous extract—not every Haritaki powder or capsule on the market. PubMed Central (PMC)

The prescription comparator also produced a substantially larger reduction in uric acid than the Haritaki extract in this study. PubMed Central (PMC)

So this research shouldn't be interpreted as evidence that Haritaki replaces medical treatment for gout or hyperuricemia.

An Ancient Fruit With Modern Questions

That's what makes Haritaki research interesting.

A fruit associated with centuries of Ayurvedic tradition is now appearing in controlled human research examining measurable biological outcomes.

The results don't provide the final answer—but they give scientists another reason to keep investigating Terminalia chebula.

Interested in discovering Haritaki for yourself? Explore Harlowi Haritaki Third Eye Capsules below.