Effectiveness of messenger plants (Peperomia Pellucida L.) and Tai Chi exercise as modality therapy for elderly with Hyperuricemia: A literature review

Hyperuricemia correlated with an increase in monosodium urate crystals, which was a precipitating factor for gout arthritis. In Indonesia, this disease was more common in individuals over 34 years of age. The elderly who had gout can be associated with metabolic syndrome and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Pharmacological therapy of gout, such as allopurinol, had a greater potential to cause side effects in patients. This article aimed to determine the effectiveness of Peperomia pellucida and Tai Chi exercise to overcome hyperuricemia in elderly. The writing method used was a literature review. Articles were obtained through search sites: Google Scholar, Science-Direct, and NCBI, and the criteria used were Indonesian and English with a range of publication years 2014-2020. Eight main journals were used as references; from these journals, it was concluded that Peperomia pellucida could inhibit the formation of uric acid with xanthine oxidase activity through its quercetin-type flavonoid content in elderly, while Tai Chi exercise could increase joint flexibility and blood circulation in patients with gout. Therefore, it is hoped that the nurse can consider this modality therapy to be given to elderly with hyperuricemia. So, elderly with hyperuricemia can control their uric acid levels by implementing this combination therapy.