Phyllantus niruri is a tropical annual plant which has been used in ayurvedic medicine for 2,000 years. It is also known in Indochina, Madagascar and Latin America as chanca piedra (‘stone-breaker’ - the name clearly evoking its properties). Phyllantus niruri is traditionally used as a diuretic, to treat urinary tract infections and to help eliminate kidney stones and gallstones.
¤ Phyllantus niruri increases the solubility of alkaline salts and helps maintain normal bacteria levels in the genito-urinary tract. Phyllantus niruri also has a relaxant effect on the smooth muscle of the biliary and urinary tracts which helps expel stones, and an anti-spasmodic effect superior to that of papaverine. In animal studies, Phyllantus niruri has been shown to reduce growth and aggregation of stones. Similar results were observed in vitro in human models, suggesting that this product could represent an alternative prevention and/or treatment for urinary lithiasis. Dr. Wolfram Wriemann has treated more than 100 kidney stone patients with Phyllantus niruri extract and has reported a significant improvement in over 90% of cases within one to two weeks.
¤ The diuretic (urine-increasing) effect of Phyllantus niruri has been well-documented since 1929; in India there is even a special pharmaceutical product (Punarnava) available for this purpose.
¤ In addition, Phyllantus niruri has a blood pressure-lowering effect, demonstrated in vivo by an Indian study in 1995. Several animal studies have shown that Phyllantus niruri increases secretion of biliary acids and reduces total cholesterol and triglycerides. It also has a proven analgesic effect in animals and humans and many human studies confirm its hepato-protective effects. Finally, a number of promising studies have recently highlighted its anti-viral activity.
¤ Phyllantus niruri is a good example of a complex medicinal plant with multiple benefits which warrants much additional research. Its constituents include lignans (phyllantin and hydrophyllantin), alkaloids, bioflavonoids (such as quercetrin present in quercetin), ellagic tannins and ellagic acid (the beneficial effects of which have been reported in hundreds of studies) and other rare and beneficial constituents such as geraniin. Its antilithic, diuretic and hepato-protective properties are well-documented.