Golden time to use betel leaf water to help eliminate uric acid

Results proven by many studies

Not only is betel leaf a familiar ingredient in cultural life, many studies have also shown it to have the ability to help reduce uric acid.

Thanks to its mechanism of action on purine metabolism enzymes and its ability to protect the liver and kidneys, this leaf is considered one of the potential herbs in supporting gout prevention.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), betel leaves contain high levels of eugenol, chavicol, and kavibetol. These are three plant compounds that inhibit the activity of xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that directly converts purines into uric acid.

When this enzyme is inhibited, the amount of uric acid produced is significantly reduced, thereby limiting the risk of urate crystal accumulation in the joints.

In addition, the biological compounds in betel leaves also promote the activity of the antioxidant peroxidase enzyme, helping to neutralize free radicals and soothe inflammation around the joints.

Thanks to that, the body reduces the hot, red, painful swelling reaction that is common in people with high uric acid levels.

A clinical trial published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine noted that people who drank warm betel leaf water once daily for six weeks reduced their uric acid by an average of 0.9 mg per deciliter.

Meanwhile, the control group only reduced by 0.2 mg per deciliter. This difference suggests that the xanthine oxidase inhibitory effect of betel leaves is the key mechanism of effectiveness.

According to experts, uric acid control depends not only on production but also on excretion.

The liver and kidneys are the two organs that play a major role in this process. Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that more than 70% of uric acid is excreted through the kidneys, the rest through the liver and digestive tract.

Betel leaves contain flavonoids and tannins, two groups of active ingredients that help improve urine flow at a mild level, supporting the process of uric acid excretion through the kidneys.

At the same time, the antioxidants in betel leaves help reduce damage to renal epithelial cells, which is the cause of reduced filtration rate. For the liver, the polyphenols in betel leaves stimulate increased activity of phase 2 detoxification enzymes, helping to limit the accumulation of purines, the substrate that creates uric acid.

A report at the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL, 2024) also noted the ability to improve mild liver function in people with metabolic disorders when supplementing with polyphenols from betel leaves. This effect indirectly contributes to stabilizing uric acid levels in the blood.

In folk medicine, betel leaves are also crushed and applied to the skin when joints are swollen and painful. Modern research explains that volatile compounds in betel leaves can penetrate the skin, creating an anti-inflammatory effect equivalent to 20-25% compared to low-dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Although it cannot replace gout medication, this measure helps to temporarily reduce discomfort during mild inflammation.

The most effective time to use betel leaf water to eliminate uric acid

The time of herbal use also affects the effectiveness. According to the Journal of Functional Foods and Metabolism, drinking warm betel leaf water in the morning from 6am to 8am helps increase the glomerular filtration rate, promoting uric acid excretion.

45 minutes after lunch, betel leaves help stabilize blood sugar and limit sudden insulin increase. This is a factor that can affect the kidney's ability to excrete urate. However, betel leaves should not be used too late in the evening because it can create a feeling of mild stimulation, causing difficulty sleeping.

Experts recommend that betel leaves only play a supporting role. People with high uric acid or suspected gout still need to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Combining a healthy lifestyle, limiting purines, drinking enough water and controlling weight are key factors in stabilizing uric acid levels long term.