Phyllanthus Niruri Leaf And Stem Extract
Also known as: Phyllanthus niruri L., Stone breaker, Chanca Piedra, Seed-under-leaf, Phyllanthus niruri
Overview
Phyllanthus niruri is a tropical plant traditionally used in folk medicine, primarily for kidney stones and liver disorders. The leaf and stem extracts contain bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and triterpenes. It is commonly used as an anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and litholytic (stone-dissolving) agent. Research on P. niruri has matured to include several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, particularly focusing on its anti-inflammatory effects, hepatoprotective properties in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and efficacy in kidney stone management. It is classified as an herbal supplement and botanical extract.
Benefits
Phyllanthus niruri offers several evidence-based benefits. A meta-analysis (2014-2023) confirmed significant anti-inflammatory effects, attributed to its rich phytochemical content, supporting its traditional use to reduce inflammation. For liver health, a study in NASH patients showed that a combination including 200 mg of P. niruri significantly reduced liver enzymes ALT and AST over 36 weeks compared to placebo, alongside improvements in fibrosis scores and lipid profiles. This indicates strong hepatoprotective effects. Furthermore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials demonstrated that P. niruri therapy significantly reduced kidney stone burden, improved stone expulsion rates, and decreased stone size compared to controls. These benefits typically emerge over weeks to months of treatment, with clinically meaningful effect sizes (p-values < 0.05).
How it works
The anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of Phyllanthus niruri are mediated through the modulation of adipocytokines and antiangiogenic activity. It reduces oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines within liver tissue, contributing to its protective actions. For kidney stones, P. niruri appears to inhibit stone formation by preventing calcium oxalate crystal aggregation. It also promotes stone dissolution, possibly through the action of saponins and flavonoids that alter urinary chemistry and reduce crystallization processes. The extracts are absorbed orally, with their bioavailability influenced by the specific extraction method and formulation used.
Side effects
Phyllanthus niruri extracts generally exhibit a good safety profile, with no serious adverse events reported in randomized controlled trials. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare, but possible, side effect. Current clinical research has not documented any significant drug interactions or contraindications. However, due to a lack of sufficient data, caution is advised for pregnant and lactating individuals. While generally well-tolerated, individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
Effective doses of Phyllanthus niruri in clinical studies have varied. For liver conditions, a dose of 200 mg of standardized extract daily was used, often in combination with other herbs like Silybum marianum. For kidney stone treatment, doses varied depending on the specific formulation. Treatment durations in studies ranged from 4 weeks to 36 weeks, with longer durations generally showing more pronounced benefits. Optimal dosing requires the use of standardized extracts with defined phytochemical content to ensure reproducibility and consistent efficacy. It is important to follow product-specific recommendations or consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
FAQs
Is Phyllanthus niruri safe for long-term use?
Current evidence supports its safety for up to 36 weeks; however, data on longer-term use are limited, and further research is needed.
How quickly can I expect to see effects from Phyllanthus niruri?
Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects typically appear within 8-12 weeks, while benefits for kidney stones may take several weeks to manifest.
Can Phyllanthus niruri be used as a standalone treatment?
For liver conditions, it is often combined with other hepatoprotective agents. For kidney stones, monotherapy has demonstrated efficacy in some studies.
Are there any known drug interactions with Phyllanthus niruri?
No significant drug interactions have been documented in the reviewed clinical trials, but caution is always advised when combining supplements with medications.
Research Sources
- https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/biosaintifika/article/download/10823/1490/37901 – This meta-analysis (2014-2023) confirmed the significant anti-inflammatory effects of P. niruri extracts, noting significant effect sizes. It highlighted the role of various phytochemicals in mediating these effects, despite some heterogeneity in extract types and doses across studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11715200/ – This RCT and meta-analysis involving 141 NASH patients showed that a 36-week regimen including 200 mg of P. niruri plus silymarin significantly reduced ALT/AST levels and improved fibrosis and lipid profiles compared to placebo (p<0.05). The study was well-powered and controlled, though the combination therapy limits isolating P. niruri's sole effect.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32333735/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple RCTs (total n>200) found a significant reduction in kidney stone burden and improved stone expulsion rates with P. niruri therapy (p<0.05). The review applied rigorous inclusion criteria and focused on clinical endpoints, despite variability in stone types and extract formulations.
- https://www.techscience.com/CJU/v27n2/60409 – This source, likely a part of the systematic review by Dhawan & Olweny, further supports the efficacy of P. niruri in kidney stone management. It contributes to the evidence base showing improved stone expulsion and reduced stone size, reinforcing the plant's litholytic properties.