Short-Term Clinical Effects of Standardized Syzygium polyanthum (Bay Leaf) Tea Infusion on Serum Uric Acid Modulation in Hyperuricemia: A Pilot Trial in Primary Care

Abstract

Hyperuricemia management relies heavily on synthetic xanthine oxidase inhibitors, which possess adverse effect risks. This pilot trial evaluates the short-term clinical effects of a standardized Syzygium polyanthum (Indonesian bay leaf) tea infusion on serum uric acid levels in a primary care setting, standardizing conventional preparation methods. A quasi-experimental, pre- and post-test controlled pilot trial was conducted at a community health center on Sumatra Island, Indonesia. Twenty-four adults with hyperuricemia were purposively assigned (alternating days of presentation) to an intervention group (n=12) or a control group (n=12). The intervention comprised 2.0 grams of standardized S. polyanthum tea infused at 80 degrees Celsius for 1 to 3 minutes, consumed twice daily for seven days. Both groups underwent monitored dietary purine restriction. Serum uric acid was evaluated via capillary analysis. The intervention cohort exhibited a statistically significant reduction in median serum uric acid from 8.1 mg/dL (Interquartile Range [IQR]: 7.4–8.9) to 6.9 mg/dL (IQR: 6.2–7.5) (p=0.034). The control group showed no significant alteration (median 8.0 mg/dL to 7.9 mg/dL; p=0.299). Intervention compliance was 95.4%, with no adverse gastrointestinal events reported. In conclusion, standardized S. polyanthum tea infusion significantly reduces serum uric acid over seven days, presenting a culturally syntonic and safe complementary intervention for primary healthcare frameworks, though extended treatment may be required to reach optimal clinical targets below 6.0 mg/dL.