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Chanca Piedra extract

Also known as: Phyllanthus amarus, Chanca Piedra, Stone Breaker, Seed-Under-Leaf, Phyllanthus niruri

Overview

Chanca Piedra, scientifically known as Phyllanthus niruri (or Phyllanthus amarus), is a tropical plant traditionally utilized in South American and Ayurvedic medicine. It is primarily recognized for its potential role in supporting kidney and gallstone treatment. The extract, typically derived from the aerial parts of the plant, is commonly consumed as a tea or dietary supplement. Its main application is to promote kidney health, specifically in reducing the burden of kidney stones. Research on Chanca Piedra is moderately developed, encompassing several clinical trials and preclinical studies. While some well-designed randomized controlled trials support its efficacy for kidney stones, evidence for other purported benefits remains limited and inconclusive. The plant is believed to act by modulating the crystallization and aggregation processes within the urinary tract, potentially altering stone morphology to facilitate easier passage.

Benefits

The primary evidence-based benefit of Chanca Piedra is its ability to reduce kidney stone size and promote their elimination, particularly for stones smaller than 10 mm. A meta-analysis and clinical studies support this effect, with one 2018 randomized controlled trial showing that 68% of participants experienced fewer kidney stones after 12 weeks of Chanca Piedra treatment compared to controls. Preclinical studies further indicate that Chanca Piedra can reduce stone formation by up to 75% and alter stone morphology, making them smoother and potentially easier to pass. These effects are statistically significant (p < 0.05) and clinically relevant for individuals with kidney stones. While some limited and inconclusive evidence suggests potential benefits for blood sugar regulation, gout, and liver disease, these claims lack robust clinical validation. The most robust evidence pertains to adults with kidney stones, with no strong data for pediatric or other populations.

How it works

Chanca Piedra's mechanism of action primarily involves interfering with multiple stages of kidney stone formation. It does not prevent the initial nucleation of crystals but effectively reduces their size and aggregation. The extract is believed to increase the proportion of less harmful calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals compared to the more damaging monohydrate forms. Furthermore, it may alter the morphology of existing stones, making them smoother and more fragile, which could facilitate their passage through the urinary tract. These effects are likely mediated by bioactive phytochemicals present in the extract that modulate crystallization and aggregation processes within the urinary system. While the exact absorption and bioavailability details are not fully characterized, oral administration as a tea or extract is the standard method of consumption.

Side effects

Chanca Piedra is generally considered safe with a low incidence of adverse effects reported in clinical studies. No consistently reported common side effects (occurring in >5% of users) have been identified. Uncommon side effects (1-5% incidence) may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Rare side effects (less than 1%) are not well-documented, and no serious adverse events have been reported in high-quality trials. Regarding drug interactions, no well-documented interactions exist, but caution is advised when used concurrently with medications that affect kidney function. Chanca Piedra is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of sufficient safety data in these populations. Data on its use in special populations, such as children, the elderly, or individuals with severe kidney impairment, are limited, warranting caution and medical consultation.

Dosage

Clinical studies suggest a minimum effective dose of approximately 4.5 grams of dry Chanca Piedra extract daily, often consumed as a tea infusion. An optimal dosage, based on research, is around 4.5 grams taken twice daily as a tea infusion for a duration of 12 weeks, which has demonstrated efficacy in reducing kidney stones. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses used in clinical trials have been well tolerated. Dosing is typically recommended twice daily with meals. Chanca Piedra is commonly available as a tea infusion prepared from dried aerial parts or as standardized extracts. No specific cofactors have been identified to enhance absorption; standard oral administration is sufficient.

FAQs

Is Chanca Piedra effective for gallstones?

Currently, there is no strong scientific evidence to support the use of Chanca Piedra for gallstones, despite some theoretical hypotheses about similar mechanisms to kidney stones.

How quickly will I see results from Chanca Piedra?

Clinical trials indicate that benefits from Chanca Piedra, particularly for kidney stones, are typically observed within 12 weeks of consistent use.

Is it safe to use Chanca Piedra long-term?

Long-term safety data for Chanca Piedra are limited. While short-term use appears safe, more research is needed to confirm its safety for extended periods.

Can Chanca Piedra replace conventional kidney stone treatments?

Chanca Piedra may serve as an adjunct therapy for kidney stones, but it should not be considered a replacement for established medical or surgical interventions.

Does Chanca Piedra prevent new kidney stones?

Animal studies suggest that Chanca Piedra may have preventive potential against new stone formation, but human data are currently insufficient to confirm this effect.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32333735/ – This meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of Phyllanthus niruri for kidney stone reduction. It concluded that the herb significantly reduces stone burden, supporting its traditional use. The study highlighted variability in research designs and dosages as limitations, suggesting a need for more standardized studies.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chanca-piedra-gallstones – This source discusses Chanca Piedra's potential for gallstones, noting that while some hypothesize similar mechanisms to kidney stones, there is currently no strong evidence to support its use for gallstones. It emphasizes the need for more research in this area.
https://consensus.app/results/?q=Are+there+any+studies+on+the+effects+of+chanca+piedra+on+kidney+health%3F – This source provides a general overview of studies related to Chanca Piedra and kidney health. It likely aggregates information from various research, indicating that some studies support its role in kidney stone management, but also points to areas where evidence is still developing.
https://www.health.com/chanca-piedra-8639715 – This article from Health.com provides a general overview of Chanca Piedra, its traditional uses, and purported benefits. It likely summarizes common knowledge and some research findings, focusing on its application for kidney stones and other health claims, while also addressing safety.
https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/JNNrkeWdTHrS87opd/the-quest-for-a-stone-free-world-chanca-piedra-phyllanthus-1 – This post discusses Chanca Piedra's role in kidney stone management, referencing a 2018 Randomized Controlled Trial. This trial showed that 68% of participants taking Chanca Piedra tea had reduced stone size and increased stone elimination over 12 weeks, with statistically significant results (p < 0.05).