Phyllanthus

Phyllanthus niruri

COMMON NAMES

• Amla
• Chanca Piedra
• Kidney Stone Tree
• Phyllanthus
• Quebra Pedra

A perennial herb with many yellow flowers, phyllanthus grows to about two feet in height. Phyllanthus is a genus of the spurge family and has over 1600 different species of trees, shrubs, and low-lying herbs. Some species have flattened stems that resemble leaves; others have deciduous twigs that bear small, alternating leaves.

PARTS USED

Whole herb.

USES

Various species of phyllanthus have a wide variety of purposes. One, P. acidus, has light yellow and green fruits that are made into preserves. The leaves and bark of P. ernblica, called amla or Indian gooseberry, contain tannin and are used in tanning and dyeing. In India people make its dried fruit into ink, hair dye, and detergent. They also use the fresh fruit, which is high in vitamin C, in drinks and candy. Phyllanthus is not related to what Europeans call gooseberry.

Many species of phyllanthus have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2,000 years. Phyllantus is a traditional remedy for ailments like jaundice, dysentery, diabetes, skin ulcers, and urinary tract infections. Phyllanthus's principal constituents - lignans, alkaloids, and bioflavonoids - have been found to act primarily on the liver, which confirms its traditional use in the treatment of jaundice. Phyllanthus amarus attracted the attention of Nobel prize winner Baruch Blumberg. He and others studied its uses in preventing hepatitis B and devised a vaccine. Recently Indian doctors and scientists have also developed a medicine, shown to clear the body of hepatitis in many cases. Phyllanthus inhibits liver cancer, as well, and has potential as a diuretic, hypotensive, and hypoglycemic medication for diabetes.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Phyllanthus is indigenous to central and southern India. Phyllantus is also cultivated in other countries, including China, the Philippines, Cuba, Nigeria, and Guam.

USUAL DOSAGE

Research has utilized the powdered form of phyllanthus in amounts ranging from 900-2,700 mg per day for three months.

SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS

No side effects have been reported using phyllanthus as recommended.

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