Gout is a crystal-related arthropathy resulting from the deposition of monosodium urate. Identifying appropriate treatments and novel drugs to decrease serum uric acid (SUA) levels and gout risk has been a major focus. By performing extensive literature review on the pathogenesis and Chinese and Western medicine treatment of gout, this paper aimed to identify novel targets for effective control of acute gout attacks and long-term reduction of SUA. In addition, we aimed to provide new directions for the improvement of therapeutic measures and the development of drugs. Although Western medicine can significantly contribute to the treatment of gout, Chinese herbal medicine has unique advantages, including reduced adverse reactions and higher patient compliance. It may also fill in the shortcomings of Western medicine in the intermittent period treatment of gout. In addition to constantly exploring pathogenesis and drug targets, research on Chinese herbal medicine is equally important. The combination of Chinese and Western medicine has proven to become an important direction for gout treatment.
Keywords: Chinese medicine; Western medicine; gout therapy; research progress.