Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niruri)

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 and anti-inflammatory 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 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 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.