# Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niruri)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/chanca-piedra
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Amazonian
**Also Known As:** Phyllanthus niruri, Stone Breaker, Quebra Pedra, Bahupatra, Bhumyamalaki, Seed-under-leaf, Gale of the Wind, Hurricane Weed

## Overview

Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) is an Amazonian herb containing phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin that supports kidney health by inhibiting calcium oxalate crystal formation. It increases urinary magnesium and potassium excretion while reducing crystal nucleation in the kidneys.

## Health Benefits

• Supports kidney health by increasing urinary magnesium and potassium levels in kidney stone patients (moderate evidence from one RCT, n=56) • May help prevent calcium oxalate crystal formation through inhibition of crystal nucleation and aggregation (preliminary mechanistic evidence) • Demonstrates [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against H. pylori without affecting beneficial lactic acid bacteria (in vitro evidence, PMID: 22034238) • Traditional use suggests [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) properties through [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) actions (traditional evidence only, no clinical trials provided) • May provide [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and analgesic effects based on traditional use patterns (traditional evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Chanca piedra's bioactive compounds phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, and gallic acid inhibit calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and aggregation through interference with crystal surface interactions. The herb increases urinary excretion of magnesium and potassium, which act as natural crystallization inhibitors, while potentially modulating renal epithelial cell responses to oxalate exposure.

## Clinical Summary

One randomized controlled trial (n=56) demonstrated that chanca piedra significantly increased urinary magnesium and potassium levels in kidney stone patients over 12 weeks. Preliminary in vitro studies show inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal formation, but human efficacy data remains limited. The current evidence is considered moderate for urinary mineral modulation but preliminary for actual stone prevention outcomes.

## Nutritional Profile

Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) is not consumed as a macronutrient food source; it is used primarily as a medicinal herb, so traditional nutritional metrics (calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein) are negligible at typical dosing (1–3 g dried herb or 30–60 mL decoction per day). Its therapeutic value derives from a rich array of bioactive phytochemicals: **Lignans** – Phyllanthin (≈0.5–1.0% dry weight) and hypophyllanthin (≈0.2–0.5% dry weight) are the principal [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) lignans; niranthin, nirtetralin, and phyltetralin are also present in smaller quantities. **Tannins & Polyphenols** – Ellagitannins including geraniin (up to ≈1.5–3.0% dry weight, one of the most abundant single compounds), corilagin (≈0.3–0.8%), phyllanthusiin D, and amariin; gallic acid (≈0.1–0.4%), ellagic acid, and rutin contribute to overall [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity. Total polyphenol content in aqueous extracts ranges from approximately 40–90 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dried leaf. **Flavonoids** – Quercetin (≈0.05–0.2%), astragalin (kaempferol-3-O-glucoside), quercitrin, and fisetin-4′-O-glucoside; total flavonoid content approximately 10–30 mg quercetin equivalents per gram dry weight. **Terpenoids** – Lupeol and lupeol acetate (triterpenoids, trace to ≈0.1%); phytol (diterpene alcohol present in leaf tissue). **Alkaloids** – Securinine-type alkaloids including 4-methoxy-securinine (norsecurinine) and related compounds in trace concentrations (typically <0.05%). **Organic acids** – Dehydrochebulic acid, brevifolin carboxylic acid, and amarulone. **Minerals (per 100 g dry herb, approximate)** – Potassium (≈1,200–1,800 mg), calcium (≈800–1,500 mg), magnesium (≈300–500 mg), phosphorus (≈200–350 mg), iron (≈15–30 mg), zinc (≈3–6 mg), and manganese (≈5–10 mg); mineral content varies significantly with soil and growing conditions. **Vitamins** – Small amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C, ≈10–25 mg/100 g fresh leaf) and traces of B-vitamins have been reported, though the herb is not a meaningful dietary source at medicinal doses. **Fiber** – Crude fiber constitutes approximately 10–18% of the dried aerial parts, but this is largely irrelevant at typical dosing. **Bioavailability notes** – Phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin are lipophilic lignans with moderate oral bioavailability that is enhanced when taken with a small amount of dietary fat; geraniin (hydrolyzable tannin) is partially hydrolyzed in the GI tract to ellagic acid and urolithins by gut microbiota, which may extend its systemic bioactivity. Aqueous decoctions preferentially extract tannins, flavonoid glycosides, and minerals, while hydroethanolic extracts (40–70% ethanol) yield higher concentrations of lignans and terpenoids. First-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) of lignans is significant, so standardized extracts (often standardized to ≥1% phyllanthin + hypophyllanthin or ≥2% bitters) are used to ensure consistent dosing in clinical settings.

## Dosage & Preparation

The only clinically studied dosage is 4.5g/day of powdered whole plant (standardized to minimum 1.5% tannins) divided into doses for 12 weeks in kidney stone patients. No dosage ranges for extracts or other standardizations are specified in human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Chanca piedra appears generally well-tolerated in clinical studies with minimal reported adverse effects. However, it may interact with diabetes medications by potentially lowering [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) levels. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with existing kidney disease should consult healthcare providers before use.

## Scientific Research

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=56) tested P. niruri powder at 4.5g/day for 12 weeks in kidney stone patients, finding significant increases in urinary magnesium/creatinine ratio (58±22.5 to 69.1±28.6 mg/gCr24h, p=0.013) and potassium/creatinine ratio (39.3±15.1 to 51.3±34.7 mg/gCr24h, p=0.008). In vitro studies support H. pylori inhibition (PMID: 22034238), but no RCTs or meta-analyses for other conditions like [hepatoprotect](/ingredients/condition/detox)ion or [antiviral](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects were found in the provided research.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Chanca Piedra has been used for millennia in tropical medicine systems including Amazonian and Indian Ayurveda-like traditions, earning its name 'stone breaker' for treating kidney stones. Traditional applications span urinary tract disorders, liver protection, viral infections, pain, and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) across South American and Asian folk medicine.

## Synergistic Combinations

Potassium citrate, Magnesium citrate, D-mannose, Uva ursi, Marshmallow root

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much chanca piedra should I take for kidney stones?

Clinical studies used 450-900mg of standardized chanca piedra extract daily, typically divided into 2-3 doses. However, optimal dosing for kidney stone prevention has not been definitively established through large-scale trials.

### How long does chanca piedra take to work for kidney health?

In clinical studies, increased urinary magnesium and potassium levels were observed after 12 weeks of consistent use. Individual responses may vary, and some traditional users report benefits within 4-6 weeks.

### Can chanca piedra dissolve existing kidney stones?

While chanca piedra may help prevent new calcium oxalate crystal formation, there is insufficient clinical evidence to confirm it can dissolve existing kidney stones. Its primary documented effect is increasing protective urinary minerals.

### What are the active compounds in chanca piedra?

The main bioactive compounds include phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, gallic acid, and various flavonoids like quercetin. These compounds are responsible for the herb's crystal inhibition and mineral excretion effects.

### Can I take chanca piedra with blood pressure medications?

Chanca piedra may have mild diuretic effects and could potentially interact with blood pressure medications. Consult your healthcare provider before combining, especially with ACE inhibitors or diuretics, as it may affect electrolyte balance.

### Is chanca piedra safe for children?

Safety data for chanca piedra in children is limited, and pediatric dosing has not been established in clinical trials. Most research has focused on adults, so consulting a pediatric healthcare provider before giving chanca piedra to children is recommended. Traditional use in some cultures includes children, but modern evidence-based guidance for this population remains sparse.

### What is the difference between chanca piedra extract and dried herb forms?

Extracts typically provide concentrated levels of active compounds like phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin in smaller doses, while dried herb powders offer whole-plant material with potentially synergistic compounds but variable potency. Standardized extracts allow for more consistent dosing and are often used in clinical research, whereas dried forms maintain all plant constituents but require larger serving sizes. Bioavailability may differ between forms, though direct comparative studies in humans are limited.

### What does research show about chanca piedra's antimicrobial properties beyond kidney health?

In vitro studies demonstrate that chanca piedra exhibits antimicrobial activity against H. pylori, a bacterium linked to gastric ulcers and inflammation, without suppressing beneficial lactic acid bacteria. However, human clinical trials validating these antimicrobial benefits for digestive health are minimal, and most evidence remains preliminary or mechanistic. Traditional use in South American and Ayurvedic medicine supports broader digestive applications, but robust clinical evidence is needed to establish efficacy for conditions beyond kidney stone prevention.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*