# Phyllanthin

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/phyllanthin
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Compound
**Also Known As:** (2S,3S)-2-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)-3-(3',4'-dimethoxybenzyl)butyrolactone, Phyllanthin lignan, P. amarus lignan, Bhumyamalaki compound, Tamalaki extract, Chanca piedra lignan

## Overview

Phyllanthin is a lignan compound isolated primarily from Phyllanthus amarus, where it acts alongside hypophyllanthin to modulate lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and exhibit [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) activity. Its proposed mechanisms center on enzyme inhibition and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways, though all evidence to date derives from in vitro and animal studies.

## Health Benefits

• Potential hypolipidemic (cholesterol-lowering) effects - noted in animal model patents but no human evidence available
• No other health benefits can be substantiated from the available research
• Clinical evidence is entirely absent
• All potential benefits remain theoretical without human trials
• Further research is needed to establish any therapeutic value

## Mechanism of Action

Phyllanthin is thought to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase activity, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis, which may partly explain observed hypolipidemic effects in rodent models. It also appears to scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and modulate NF-κB signaling, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) expression such as TNF-α and IL-6 in hepatic tissue. Additionally, phyllanthin has demonstrated inhibition of [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase and certain CYP450 enzymes in vitro, suggesting potential interactions with drug [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) pathways.

## Clinical Summary

No human clinical trials have been conducted specifically on isolated phyllanthin as a supplement or therapeutic agent. Preclinical evidence comes from animal models—primarily rats and mice—where oral administration at doses of 25–100 mg/kg bodyweight showed reductions in total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia models. In vitro [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) studies using carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage models demonstrated reduced ALT and AST enzyme levels, indicating potential liver-protective activity. The overall evidence base is rated very low quality; no conclusions about efficacy or effective dosage in humans can be drawn until controlled clinical trials are completed.

## Nutritional Profile

Phyllanthin is a lignan-class bioactive compound (chemical formula C₂₄H₃₄O₆, molecular weight ~406.52 g/mol) primarily isolated from Phyllanthus niruri (syn. P. amarus) leaves, where it occurs at concentrations of approximately 0.5–1.5% w/w of dried leaf material depending on chemotype, geographic origin, and extraction method. It is not a nutritional source of macronutrients, vitamins, or minerals; rather, it is a secondary plant metabolite valued for its pharmacological potential. Key characteristics: • Structure: Dimethoxy-substituted dibenzylbutyrolactone lignan with multiple methoxy (-OCH₃) groups contributing to its lipophilicity (log P ~3.5–4.0). • Co-occurring bioactive compounds in source plant: Often found alongside hypophyllanthin (a closely related lignan, ~0.3–0.8% w/w), phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin frequently co-extracted in roughly a 2:1 ratio; also co-occurs with niranthin, nirtetralin, phyltetralin (other lignans), corilagin and ellagic acid (tannins/polyphenols), and gallic acid. • Bioavailability: Oral bioavailability is considered low to moderate due to its high lipophilicity and poor aqueous solubility (~practically insoluble in water). Absorption is primarily via passive diffusion in the GI tract. Studies in rodent models suggest significant first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) via CYP450-mediated O-demethylation and glucuronidation, which limits systemic exposure. Lipid-based delivery systems, nanoparticle formulations, or co-administration with piperine have been explored to enhance bioavailability, though no standardized human pharmacokinetic data exist. • Caloric/macronutrient contribution: Negligible — phyllanthin is consumed in microgram-to-milligram quantities as part of herbal extracts, not as a food. No protein, fiber, fat, or carbohydrate contribution. • Standardized extracts: Commercial Phyllanthus niruri extracts are sometimes standardized to contain 2–5% total lignans (phyllanthin + hypophyllanthin combined), with typical supplement doses delivering approximately 5–20 mg of phyllanthin per serving. • No vitamins or minerals are intrinsic to the isolated compound itself; any micronutrient content would derive from the whole-plant extract matrix rather than phyllanthin per se.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for phyllanthin in any form (extract, powder, or standardized preparations), as no human trials have been conducted. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

The safety profile of isolated phyllanthin in humans is essentially unknown due to the complete absence of clinical trial data. Because phyllanthin inhibits certain CYP450 isoforms (including CYP3A4) in vitro, it carries a theoretical risk of altering the plasma concentrations of medications metabolized by these enzymes, including statins, anticoagulants, and immunosuppressants. Pregnancy and lactation safety has not been evaluated, and its use should be avoided in these populations until data exist. Individuals taking lipid-lowering medications should exercise particular caution given the additive hypolipidemic potential observed in animal models.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses on phyllanthin were identified in the available research. The only therapeutic claim comes from a patent mentioning 'potent hypolipidemic effect' in animal models, without providing study details or PMIDs.

## Historical & Cultural Context

While Phyllanthus amarus has traditional medicine applications, no specific historical context or traditional use information for isolated phyllanthin is provided in the research. The compound has been known since 1891 but its traditional applications distinct from the whole plant remain undocumented.

## Synergistic Combinations

No synergistic compounds identified due to lack of research

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is phyllanthin and what plant does it come from?

Phyllanthin is a dibenzylbutyrolactol-type lignan extracted primarily from Phyllanthus amarus, a herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is typically found alongside a structurally related compound called hypophyllanthin, and both are considered the principal bioactive lignans of the plant. Phyllanthin can also be identified in smaller concentrations in other Phyllanthus species such as Phyllanthus niruri.

### Does phyllanthin lower cholesterol?

Animal studies have shown phyllanthin may reduce total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides in high-fat diet-fed rodents at doses of 25–100 mg/kg, with effects attributed partly to HMG-CoA reductase inhibition. However, no human trials have been conducted, so it is not possible to confirm a cholesterol-lowering effect in people or to establish an effective human dose. The existing evidence is preclinical only and should not be used as the basis for replacing proven lipid-lowering therapies.

### Is phyllanthin safe to take as a supplement?

There is no human safety data for isolated phyllanthin, making it impossible to confirm it is safe at any particular dose for human use. In vitro data suggest it can inhibit CYP3A4 and other cytochrome P450 enzymes, which could theoretically raise blood levels of many commonly prescribed medications. Until clinical studies establish a safety profile, phyllanthin supplements should be approached with significant caution, particularly by individuals on prescription medications.

### How does phyllanthin differ from hypophyllanthin?

Phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin are both dibenzylbutyrolactol lignans found in Phyllanthus amarus, but they differ in their methoxy substitution patterns on the aromatic rings, which affects their binding affinity to biological targets. Hypophyllanthin has been studied slightly more extensively in the context of antiviral activity against hepatitis B virus, while phyllanthin has been more frequently cited in hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective animal research. The two compounds are often researched together because they naturally co-occur and may have synergistic effects.

### Are there any drug interactions with phyllanthin?

Phyllanthin has demonstrated inhibition of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and acetylcholinesterase in laboratory studies, which creates a theoretical basis for drug interactions. Medications that are substrates of these enzymes—including certain statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin), warfarin, cyclosporine, and many antiretrovirals—could potentially reach higher-than-expected plasma concentrations if taken alongside phyllanthin. Because no pharmacokinetic interaction studies exist in humans, any concurrent use with prescription medications should only occur under direct medical supervision.

### What does clinical research show about phyllanthin's effectiveness in humans?

Currently, there is no clinical research demonstrating phyllanthin's effectiveness in humans. All evidence of potential health benefits comes from animal model studies and patent literature, which means therapeutic claims remain theoretical at this stage. Human trials are necessary to establish whether phyllanthin has any actual health benefits for supplement users.

### What is the current evidence quality for phyllanthin as a supplement ingredient?

The evidence quality for phyllanthin is considered weak due to the complete absence of human clinical trials. While some animal studies suggest potential hypolipidemic effects, these findings cannot be reliably translated to human use without proper clinical investigation. Further research is urgently needed before phyllanthin can be recommended based on scientific evidence rather than preliminary laboratory findings.

### Who should avoid taking phyllanthin supplements?

Given the lack of human safety data, phyllanthin supplements should be avoided by pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and individuals with liver or kidney disease until adequate safety studies are conducted. People taking cholesterol-lowering medications should consult a healthcare provider before use, as theoretical mechanisms could interact with pharmaceutical treatments. Those with known sensitivities to Phyllanthus species plants should also exercise caution.

---

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