Uric Acid Lowering Effects of Psyllium Seeds on a Hyperuricemic Patient, While Lacking Major Adverse Effects: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Background: Psyllium seeds, produced from Plantago ovata Forsk, are an herbal treatment generally used as a laxative. It has also reportedly lowering effects on some metabolic parameters such as blood glucose, lipids and uric acid. In this paper, reducing effect of sole use of this herbal medicine on serum levels of uric acid, while causing no major adverse effects, in a hyperuricemic patient has been reported.Case report: A 51-year-old patient with a history of hyperuricemia (10.5 mg/dL in a recent measurement) gave consent to undergo a 40-day treatment using psyllium seeds with dosage of 83.3 mg/kg. Treatment was given in two 20-day courses, as in the first, the seeds was given daily but in the second the same dosage was given every other day. Serum levels of uric acid decreased to 8.1 mg/dL at 20th day and 6.8 mg/dL, at the 40th day. No major adverse effects including skin rashes, digestive disorders, muscular pain, allergic manifestations, and abnormalities in liver and kidney function tests as well as blood parameters were observed.Conclusion: Psyllium seeds may be effective in reducing serum levels of uric acid in hyperuricemia patients, while lacking major adverse effects. These data can be used for further research and designing clinical trials.