Uricosuric medications increase the excretion of uric acid in urine, thus reducing the concentration of uric acid in blood plasma. Prolonged and untreated hyperuricemia results into gout, a severe inflammatory condition. Crystals of monosodium urate may then form, particularly in the joints and connective tissues. These crystals initiate attacks of acute gout, and tophaceous deposits may occur if the hyperuricaemia is allowed to persist. The naturally available uricosuric agents are Tinospora cardifolia, Allium sepa, Cajanus cajan, Piper nigrum etc., Uricosuric agents increase the urinary excretion of uric acid hence the natural uricosuric agent is preferred to prevent many diseases like gout, arthritis, kidney stones etc., without side effect. The various screening methods for the uricosuric activity are uricosuric activity in mice, Potassium oxonate induced activity, Phenol red excretion method.
