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
Quebra Pedra (Phyllanthus niruri) contains lignans and flavonoids that inhibit calcium oxalate crystal formation and aggregation in kidneys. The herb's phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin compounds relax smooth muscle in urinary tract while providing diuretic effects.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Quebra Pedra, or Phyllanthus niruri, is a small herbaceous plant found in tropical regions around the world, including Brazil. It is harvested for its entire aerial parts, which are used in traditional remedies. The plant thrives in moist, shady environments.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Research on Quebra Pedra includes studies on its potential to support kidney health and its anti-inflammatory properties. Some RCTs have shown positive results, but more comprehensive studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Quebra Pedra (Phyllanthus niruri) is a medicinal herb rather than a macronutrient-dense food, so its profile centers on bioactive phytochemicals. Key compounds include lignans (phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin at approximately 0.5–1.2% dry weight), flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, astragalin at ~0.8–1.5% dry weight), ellagitannins (geraniin, corilagin at ~2–4% dry weight), and alkaloids (phyllanthine, securinine at trace levels <0.1%). Phenolic acids include gallic acid and ellagic acid at approximately 1–3% dry weight. Mineral content includes potassium (~300–400 mg/100g dried herb), calcium (~200 mg/100g), and magnesium (~80 mg/100g). It contains modest dietary fiber (~15–20% dry weight) contributing to digestive transit. Bioavailability of lignans is enhanced by gut microbiota conversion to enterolactone-like metabolites; flavonoid absorption is moderate (~20–30%) and improved with lipid co-consumption due to partial lipophilicity of phyllanthin.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Quebra Pedra's lignans (phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin) and flavonoids (quercetin, rutin) inhibit calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal nucleation and growth by interfering with crystal lattice formation. The compounds also relax ureteral smooth muscle through calcium channel modulation and stimulate diuresis by enhancing sodium and chloride excretion in renal tubules.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Human studies show quebra pedra extract (450-900mg daily) reduces kidney stone recurrence by 37-56% over 3-6 months compared to placebo. Small randomized trials (20-69 participants) demonstrate increased stone passage rates and reduced stone size on imaging. Most research consists of preliminary studies with short follow-up periods, requiring larger long-term trials for definitive efficacy confirmation.
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