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Organic Chanca Piedra

Also known as: Chanca Piedra, Stone breaker, seed-under-leaf, Phyllanthus niruri

Overview

Phyllanthus niruri, commonly known as Chanca Piedra, is a tropical plant with a long history of traditional use in South American and Ayurvedic medicine. It is primarily recognized for its application in treating kidney and gallstones. The plant is typically consumed as an extract or infusion. Beyond its use for lithiasis, research is exploring its potential hepatoprotective, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. While the maturity of research on Chanca Piedra is moderate, with a growing number of clinical trials and systematic reviews, particularly concerning kidney stone treatment, many of its other purported benefits are still largely supported by preclinical or small-scale human studies. The quality of evidence varies, with kidney stone-related research including some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, whereas other indications primarily rely on animal or in vitro data.

Benefits

The most substantiated benefit of Phyllanthus niruri is its efficacy in managing kidney stones. A meta-analysis of clinical trials indicates that *P. niruri* significantly reduces kidney stone size (standardized mean difference approximately -0.39 cm) and may facilitate stone expulsion. One randomized controlled trial involving 56 participants demonstrated a reduction in stone size and number in about two-thirds of subjects after consistent use of 4.5 g twice daily. While promising, the evidence for other benefits is less robust. Preclinical studies suggest hepatoprotective effects, including antioxidant and anti-Hepatitis B virus activity, but human data are limited and inconclusive. Similarly, antiviral, antidiabetic, and uric acid-lowering effects have been observed in animal and in vitro studies, but human evidence is currently insufficient to confirm these efficacies. Therefore, while *P. niruri* shows strong potential for kidney stone management, its use for other conditions requires further rigorous human clinical trials.

How it works

The primary mechanism of action for Phyllanthus niruri's effect on kidney stones is attributed to its alkalizing properties. It is believed to increase urine pH and elevate citrate levels, which are crucial factors in inhibiting the formation of new stones and promoting the dissolution of existing ones. Beyond kidney stones, the plant contains various bioactive constituents, including lignans, flavonoids, and alkaloids. These compounds are thought to contribute to its broader pharmacological effects, such as antioxidant activity, which may protect liver cells, and potential antiviral properties, as observed in in vitro and animal models. However, the precise oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of these compounds in humans are not yet well characterized, limiting a full understanding of its systemic effects.

Side effects

Phyllanthus niruri is generally considered safe, with clinical trials reporting no major adverse effects at typical doses used for kidney stones. Side effects are rare and, when they occur, are typically mild, such as gastrointestinal discomfort. However, comprehensive safety data, particularly regarding long-term use, are still emerging. Crucially, the safety of *P. niruri* during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, and therefore, avoidance is recommended for these populations. While no significant drug interactions have been extensively documented, caution is advised due to the limited data available. Individuals on medications, especially those affecting blood pressure, blood sugar, or liver function, should consult a healthcare professional before using Chanca Piedra. There are no known severe contraindications, but individuals with pre-existing medical conditions should exercise prudence.

Dosage

For kidney stone management, clinical studies typically recommend a dosage of 4.5 grams of dried Phyllanthus niruri herb or an equivalent extract, taken twice daily. This dosage has been well tolerated in trials. There is currently no established maximum safe dose, as the doses used in research have not indicated toxicity. The timing of administration is flexible, and it is often consumed as a tea or in capsule form, typically with meals to minimize any potential gastrointestinal discomfort. While standardized extracts may offer more consistent potency, further research is needed to fully characterize their efficacy and optimal dosing compared to whole herb preparations. It is important to adhere to recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional, especially when considering higher doses or for prolonged periods.

FAQs

Is chanca piedra effective for kidney stones?

Yes, evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses supports modest but statistically significant reductions in kidney stone size and number, making it a promising natural option.

Is it safe?

Generally, Chanca Piedra is considered safe with minimal side effects reported in clinical trials at typical dosages. However, safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.

Can it treat other conditions like liver disease or diabetes?

Evidence for treating conditions like liver disease or diabetes is preliminary and mostly from preclinical studies. It is not recommended as a primary treatment for these conditions without further human research.

How long until effects appear?

Studies suggest that benefits for kidney stones typically appear over several weeks to months of consistent use, indicating it's not a quick-fix solution.

Research Sources

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/chanca-piedra – This source, citing an RCT, indicates that 2/3 of participants with kidney stones experienced reduced stone size and number after taking 4.5g of Chanca Piedra twice daily for several weeks. It provides supportive, albeit limited, evidence for its efficacy.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chanca-piedra-gallstones – This narrative review supports the kidney stone benefits of Chanca Piedra but highlights the lack of human data for its other purported uses. It emphasizes that most non-kidney stone benefits are based on preclinical findings.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9660160/ – This systematic literature review on *P. amarus* (a related species) pharmacology highlights hepatoprotective, antiviral, and antioxidant properties observed in preclinical studies. It notes the scarcity of human trials, indicating strong preclinical evidence but limited clinical data for these effects.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32333735/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis found that *P. niruri* modestly reduces kidney stone size (SMD -0.39 cm) with statistical significance. It notes heterogeneity in study designs and small sample sizes in some trials, but overall assesses the quality as moderate.