Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces S. Pulumbarit and Senior Researcher Essel Tolosa
Ulasimang Bato (Peperomia pellucida) (Photo courtesy of Senior Researcher Essel Tolosa)
Researchers from the Institute of Herbal Medicine of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have developed an ulasimang bato (Peperomia pellucida) tablet as an alternative treatment for gout and hyperuricemia. Unveiled by Prof. Jade Rodriguez at the 2nd Philippine Pharma and Healthcare Expo, the formulation was highlighted for its proven ability to lower uric acid levels.
A Natural Remedy for Gout
Gout affects over 41 million people worldwide, including around 1.6 million Filipinos. It causes intense joint pain, swelling, and discomfort, making daily activities difficult. While medications like allopurinol and febuxostat help lower uric acid levels, they can also lead to unwanted side effects on kidney and liver function.
Ulasimang Bato has long been used in traditional Philippine medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperuricemic properties, making it one of the endorsed medicinal plants of the Department of Health (DOH). While it has long been used in traditional medicine, UP Manila’s researchers have taken it a step further—clinically proving its effectiveness and developing it into an easy-to-take tablet. This research transforms the plant from a folk remedy into a scientifically validated alternative for gout relief.
Prof. Jade Rodriguez presented the Ulasimang Bato tablet during the 2nd Philippine Pharma and Healthcare Expo (PPHC) on Feb. 26, 2025.
Breakthrough Research and Clinical Trials
The team behind this innovation includes leading experts in herbal medicine from UP Manila: Dr. Nelia Cortes-Maramba, Dr. Cecilia Zamora, Prof. Ernesta G. Quintana, Prof. Constancio De Guzman, Nina Evangelista, Dr. Romeo Quijano, Dr. Isidro Sia, Dr. Horacio Estrada, Evangeline Amor, Prof. Natividad De Castro, Prof. Jocelyn Palacpac, Prof. Leticia-Barbara Gutierrez, Dr. Jaime Purificacion, Dr. Bernadette Heizel Manapat-Reyes, and Dr. Jesus Sarol.
Their clinical trials demonstrated a progressive reduction in uric acid levels among participants, with a 40% decrease observed by Day 14. This reduction continued, reaching up to 63% by Day 28 and up to 78% by Day 49. Notably, no adverse effects were reported, in contrast to conventional gout treatments that may pose risks to kidney and liver health.
“Our research shows that Ulasimang Bato has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemia properties. It could be a safer, more natural way for Filipinos to manage gout without the risks linked to synthetic drugs,” said Prof. Jade Rodriguez.
Bringing Herbal Medicine to the Public
With such promising results, UP Manila is working to make the ulasimang bato tablet available to the public. The university’s Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO) is looking for partners to help bring this herbal medicine to market.
UP Manila’s development of the ulasimang bato tablet underscores its commitment to innovative, accessible healthcare solutions. As demand grows for safer, affordable treatments, this herbal medicine showcases the potential of Philippine medicinal plants in gout management.
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For those interested in collaborating or investing in this breakthrough, UP Manila encourages stakeholders to contact the TTBDO for further discussions.
UP Manila Technology Transfer and Business Development Office
2/F UP Manila Main Building, Joaquin Gonzales Compound,
Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila, Philippines
ttbdo.upm@up.edu.ph
For inquiries contact:
UP Manila – Information, Publication, and Public Affairs Office (UP Manila-IPPAO)
Email address: upm-ippao@up.edu.ph
