Gwyneth Perseveranda

The University of the Philippines (UP) Manila has unveiled its newly developed ulasimang bato or pansit-pansitan tablet as an alternative treatment for gout and hyperuricemia during the 2nd Philippine Pharma and Healthcare Expo on February 26.


During the event, Professor Jade Rodriguez introduced this breakthrough, highlighting that the tablet offers a safer and more natural way to manage gout—eliminating the need for synthetic drugs that may worsen liver and kidney conditions.

“Our research shows that ulasimang bato possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemic properties. It could provide a safer, more natural option for Filipinos to manage gout without the risks associated with synthetic drugs,” said Rodriguez.

The Peperomia pellucida plant—locally known as ulasimang bato or pansit-pansitan—has been clinically proven to reduce serum uric acid levels by an average of 78% within two weeks of oral intake

Moreover, researchers from UP Manila's Institute of Herbal Medicine confirmed that the plant exhibits potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperuricemic properties.

The team noted that while conventional medications such as allopurinol and febuxostat help lower uric acid levels, they also pose potential side effects, particularly affecting kidney and liver function.

Notably, no adverse effects were reported, unlike conventional gout treatments that may pose risks to kidney and liver health.

Gout is the most common form of arthritis among Filipinos. According to the Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA), approximately 1.6 million Filipinos suffer from this condition.

This condition is primarily caused by the buildup of uric acid in the blood due to excessive consumption of purine-rich foods such as red meat, seafood, alcohol, leading to painful joint inflammation.

When purines are broken down in the digestive system, uric acid is produced as a byproduct. 

However, when the body generates excessive uric acid, its levels rise in the blood, leading to hyperuricemia.

In some cases, high uric acid levels cause the formation of sharp, needle-like crystals that accumulate in the joints, particularly in the big toes.

These crystals can trigger redness, swelling, and inflammation—commonly known as a gout attack.

Meanwhile, UP Manila is working to make the anti-gout tablet available to the public. The university's Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO) is currently seeking partners to help bring the herbal medicine to market.