India developed a herbal product to solve the problem of arthritis
SYST is the result of a funded project at the Pharmacognosy Division of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research- National Botanical Research Institute (Lucknow). Developed under the mentorship of Dr. Ankita Mishra (Principal Investigator) and Dr. Sharad Srivastava (Chief Scientist & Head) at Pharmacognosy Division of CSIR-NBRI, the herbal remedy was found to be synergistically effective in Gout/Gouty arthritis comparable to the standard drug colchicine. The bio-efficacy of the combination was tested through a battery of in-vitro and in-vivo tests under laboratory conditions and further, the safety and toxicity of NBRI-Gout Out was also established in animal models.
The studies revealed a significant reduction (80%) in uric acid and about 70% reduction in inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β), which are the primary causes underlying the pathogenesis of arthritis (gout). Additionally, it also showed a significant reduction in pain, joint stiffness and improved mobility. It is completely water soluble and has no solvent residue. The raw material used is widely available in the herbal medicine market and does not pose any threat to biodiversity. The product has been developed in AYUSH mode, is cost effective and two companies have shown interest in its commercialization. The herbal remedy can also be used as adjunct therapy with the current regime of treatment in gouty arthritis, gouty flares, prophylaxis cases and idiopathic cases with gouty symptoms.
