Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Phyllanthus niruri contains phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin compounds that protect liver cells by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and supporting hepatic detoxification pathways. The herb also prevents kidney stone formation by interfering with calcium oxalate crystal aggregation through urinary nucleation inhibition.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Phyllanthus Niruri, commonly known as Chanca Piedra, is a plant native to the Amazon rainforest. The whole plant is harvested and used in traditional medicine, often made into teas or extracts.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Emerging research, including some clinical trials, suggests its potential in supporting liver and kidney health. More studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
- Rich in lignans and flavonoids. - Contains alkaloids and tannins. - Provides essential fatty acids.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Phyllanthus niruri's phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin compounds inhibit lipid peroxidation in hepatocytes while enhancing glutathione-S-transferase and catalase enzyme activity for liver protection. The herb interferes with calcium oxalate nucleation and crystal growth by modulating urinary supersaturation and reducing oxalate absorption in the intestinal tract. Additionally, lignans like nirtetralin block viral DNA polymerase activity, contributing to hepatitis B antiviral effects.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Human studies on Phyllanthus niruri show mixed results, with most high-quality research focusing on hepatitis B treatment. A systematic review of 22 randomized trials (1,947 participants) found inconsistent evidence for hepatitis B clearance, with some studies showing 37% HBsAg clearance versus 3% in placebo groups. For kidney stones, smaller studies (50-100 participants) demonstrate 50-75% reduction in stone formation over 3-6 months. However, many studies lack proper placebo controls and standardized extracts, limiting the strength of evidence.
Also Known As
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