Phyllanthus niruri

Phyllanthus niruri is a widespread tropical plant commonly found in coastal areas, known by several common names, including Chanca Piedra, Gale of the Wind, Stonebreaker or Seed-Under-Leaf. It is a relative of the Spurge family and is native to the Amazon Rainforest and other tropical areas.

Description

Phyllanthus niruri is a small, erect, annual herb that grows 30-40 cm in height. It has smooth, light green leaves and bears tiny, smooth fruits. Each plant bears numerous pale green flowers which develop into tiny, round fruits. The plant has a long history of use in herbal medicine systems around the world.

Uses

Phyllanthus niruri has been used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, for over 2,000 years. It is also used in Chinese, Brazilian, and Peruvian medicine. It is often used to treat kidney stones, hence the name "stonebreaker". It is also used for various disorders of the urinary tract including infections, pain and swelling (inflammation), kidney stones, and discharge from the urethra or vagina. It is also used for digestive tract disorders including gastroenteritis, colic, and stomach and intestinal ulcers.

Active Compounds

Phyllanthus niruri contains many active compounds, including ellagitannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, lignans, and triterpenes. These compounds are thought to be responsible for the plant's medicinal effects.

Research

Research on Phyllanthus niruri has shown that it may protect the liver, have anti-viral activity, and have anti-cancer properties. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects and to understand how the plant works.

Safety

Phyllanthus niruri is generally considered safe when used as directed, but it can interact with certain medications and may not be safe for people with certain health conditions. As with any supplement, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider before using Phyllanthus niruri.

See Also

• Herbal Medicine
• Ayurveda
• Traditional Chinese Medicine