Beyond the Kidney: Galangin Ameliorates Hyperuricemia by Targeting Intestinal Homeostasis and Intestinal Uric Acid Metabolism

Hyperuricemia (HUA), a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated serum uric acid (UA) levels, is closely linked to various chronic diseases. Galangin (GAL), a natural polyphenol abundant in Alpinia officinarum and propolis, has been reported to alleviate HUA by inhibiting hepatic UA production and promoting renal UA excretion. However, its impact on intestinal UA elimination is poorly understood. This study investigated GAL’s protective role in HUA mice, focusing on intestinal UA transport, inflammatory response, and barrier integrity. Our findings demonstrate that GAL suppressed xanthine oxidase activity in the serum, jejunum, and ileum, attenuated intestinal morphological damage and oxidative stress, and enhanced expression of ABCG2 and GLUT9 in the small intestine. GAL also upregulated the tight junction proteins Occludin and ZO-1 while inhibiting MAPK/NF-κB pathway in the intestine. Collectively, GAL ameliorates HUA by modulating intestinal UA metabolism and repairing intestinal injury, highlighting its potential as a nutraceutical for UA-lowering therapy.