Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Stone Breaker Extract

Also known as: Stone Breaker, Chanca Piedra, Phyllanthus niruri

Overview

Phyllanthus niruri, commonly known as Stone Breaker or Chanca Piedra, is a tropical plant widely utilized in traditional folk medicine. Extracts from the whole plant or its leaves are primarily recognized for their potential in managing kidney stones and offering liver protection. While its primary applications include the treatment and prevention of kidney stones, it also shows promise for hepatoprotective and antiviral effects. The research landscape for P. niruri is moderately developed, with some clinical trials and a recent systematic review and meta-analysis providing insights into its efficacy. However, the overall clinical evidence remains somewhat limited and heterogeneous, necessitating further robust research to fully establish its therapeutic potential and standardize its use.

Benefits

Phyllanthus niruri has demonstrated several potential benefits, with varying strengths of evidence: - **Kidney Stones:** A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials indicated that P. niruri treatment, when administered for at least three months, led to modest but statistically significant reductions in the size and number of calcium oxalate kidney stones. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was approximately -0.38 to -0.39 (p = 0.01), suggesting a beneficial effect. This evidence is considered moderate quality, though significant heterogeneity among studies was noted. It appears most beneficial for individuals with calcium oxalate stones. - **Liver Protection:** Preclinical in vitro and animal studies suggest that P. niruri possesses hepatoprotective effects, likely due to its antioxidant activity and ability to preserve glutathione levels. However, human clinical data supporting these effects are currently lacking, making this a promising area for future research. - **Other Potential Effects:** Animal studies have hinted at possible uric acid-lowering and antidiabetic properties. Nevertheless, the human evidence for these effects is insufficient, and more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

How it works

The mechanism of action for Phyllanthus niruri's effects, particularly its role in kidney stone management, is thought to involve multiple pathways. It is believed to inhibit the formation of kidney stones and facilitate their dissolution. This may occur through the modulation of urinary citrate levels and pH, which can create an environment less conducive to stone formation. Additionally, its antioxidant properties are thought to reduce oxidative stress in renal tissue, further contributing to kidney health. For its hepatoprotective effects, the plant's antioxidant activity, radical scavenging capabilities, and iron chelation properties are believed to protect liver cells from toxin-induced damage. While molecular targets are not fully elucidated, the plant likely modulates oxidative pathways and, in preclinical models, has shown inhibition of viral replication in HBV.

Side effects

Overall, Phyllanthus niruri appears to have a favorable safety profile, with no major adverse effects consistently reported in clinical trials. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been occasionally noted, but its frequency and severity are not well quantified. Due to limited comprehensive data, no significant drug interactions or contraindications have been firmly established. However, caution is advised as the full spectrum of interactions is not yet known. Specific safety data for vulnerable populations such as pregnant or lactating individuals, and children, are insufficient, meaning its use in these groups is not recommended without medical supervision. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before starting P. niruri to ensure its appropriateness and avoid potential unforeseen interactions.

Dosage

Optimal dosing for Phyllanthus niruri is not yet standardized due to variability in extract preparations and the limited number of large-scale randomized controlled trials. Clinical trials investigating its efficacy for kidney stones typically utilized treatment durations of at least three months. Doses commonly ranged from 200 mg to 500 mg of extract daily, or equivalent whole plant preparations. It is important to note that the specific form (capsules, teas, tinctures) and absorption factors are not well-studied, which can influence effective dosage. There are no established upper limits or safety thresholds, but adherence to dosages used in research is generally recommended. For best results, and given the long treatment durations observed in studies, consistent daily intake over several months appears necessary for potential benefits, particularly for kidney stone management.

FAQs

Is it effective for kidney stones?

Evidence suggests modest effectiveness in reducing the size and number of calcium oxalate kidney stones, particularly with continuous use over several months. It may not be effective for all stone types.

Is it safe?

Generally considered safe with minimal reported side effects, primarily mild gastrointestinal discomfort. However, data on long-term safety, drug interactions, and use in specific populations are limited.

How long until effects appear?

Benefits for kidney stones have been observed after at least three months of continuous daily use in clinical trials, indicating it is not a quick-acting remedy.

Can it replace conventional treatments?

No, it should not replace conventional medical treatments for kidney stones or other conditions. It may serve as an adjunct therapy, but always consult a physician before use.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32333735/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Dhawan et al. (2020) evaluated the efficacy of P. niruri for kidney stones. It found a modest but statistically significant reduction in calcium oxalate stone size and number over at least 3 months, despite significant heterogeneity among included studies. The study suggests P. niruri as a potential adjunct for kidney stone management.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9660160/ – Ghosh et al. (2022) reviewed the pharmacological effects of P. niruri, focusing on preclinical studies. This review highlighted the plant's hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties observed in animal models, suggesting potential for liver health. However, it noted the absence of human clinical trials for these specific effects.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chanca-piedra-gallstones – This narrative review from Medical News Today summarizes various studies on P. niruri, including animal and human research. It mentions preclinical findings on uric acid and blood sugar lowering effects but emphasizes the lack of robust human clinical trials to confirm these benefits. The review provides a general overview of the plant's traditional uses and emerging scientific evidence.