Phyllanthus amarus

Related Terms

1,2-Benzendicarboxylic acid, 1-galloyl-2,3-dehydrohexahydroxydiphenyl (DHHDP)-glucose, 1-O-galloyl-2,4-dehydrohexahydroxydiphenoyl-glucopyranose, 1-O-galloyl-6-O-luteoyl-a-D-glucose, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-8-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-chroman-4-one, 2Z,6Z,10Z,14E,18E-farnesyl farnesol, 3-(3,4-dimethoxy-benzyl)-4-(7-methoxy-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl-methyl)-dihydrofuran-2-one, 4-(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-1-(7-methoxy-benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2,3-bis-methoxymethyl-butan-1-ol, 4,4,8-trimethoxy chroman, 4',4?'di-O-methyl cupressuflavone, 4-methoxy-nor-securinine, 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone, 8-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-2-phenyl chroman-4-one, 35kDa protein molecule, acyclic triterpene, alkaloids, amariin (1-galloyl-2,4:3,6-bis-dehydrohexahydroxydiphenoyl-glucopyranosid), amariinic acid, arabinogalactan, arranca-pedras, beta-sitosterol, bhumyamalaki, biflavonoid, bis (2-ethyl hexyl) ester, brevifolin carboxylic acid, (+)-catechin, Cim-Jeevan, CIM/NPA24, CIM/PA 117, CIM/PAG-1, corilagin, coumarins, cubebin dimethyl ether, dibenzylbutyrolactone, diterpenes, dotriacontanyl docosanoate, elaeocarpusin, ellagic acid, ent-norsecurinine, (-)-epicatechin, (-)-epicatechin 3-O-gallate, (-)-epigallocatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate, ethyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate, ethyl brevifolin carboxylate, ethyl oleate, Euphorbiaceae (family), flavonoids, gallic acid, (+)-gallocatechin, galloylglucose, geraniin, geraniinic acid B, glycoflavones, glycoside, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, hydroxy-lignans, hypophyllanthin, isoquercetin, isocorilagin, isolintetralin, lactones, lignan, linalool, meniran, methyl brevifolin carboxylate, methyl brevifolincarboxylate, methyl dehydrochebulate, minerals, naphthalene, neolignan, niranthin, nirphyllin, nirtetralin, niruriflavone, niruriside, norsecurinine, Nymphanthus niruri, oleanolic acid, orthosiphol G, orthosiphol I, oxalates, Phyllanthus amarus [Phyllanthus niruri] cv. Navyakrit, para-parai m?, pentacosane, p-glucogallin, phyllanthin, phyllanthine (4-methoxy-securinine), Phyllanthus amarus Linn., Phyllanthus amarus Sch. et Thonn., Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn., Phyllanthus amarus Schumach., Phyllanthus carolinianus, Phyllanthus fraternus, Phyllanthus kirganella, Phyllanthus lathyroides, Phyllanthus lonphali, Phyllanthus niruri Hook.f., Phyllanthus sellowianus, Phyllanthus sellowianus Muller Arg., phyllanthusiin D, phyllnirurin, phyltetralin, phytol, quebra-pedra, quercetin, quercetin 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(2-->1)-O-beta-D-xylopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl(1->4)-alpha-rhamnopyranoside, repandusinic acid, repandusinic acid A, rutin, saponins, sarandi blanco, seco-lignan, securinega-type alkaloids (isobubbialine and epibubbialine), securinine, steroids, tannins, taung-ze-phyu, terpenoids, trans-phytol, triacontanal, triacontanol, urinatetralin, ursolic acid, volatile oil.
Note: Although there are over 600 species in the Phyllanthus genus, three are considered to be chanca piedra: Phyllanthus sellowianus, Phyllanthus amarus, and Phyllanthus niruri. These species are very similar, and the terms are often used interchangeably.

Background

Chanca piedra is a plant found in the Amazon rainforests and other tropical areas. It can grow to a height of 30-40 centimeters.
Chanca piedra has a history in herbal medicine. It has been used to treat bacterial infections, diabetes, hepatitis, high blood pressure, liver diseases, and viral infections, as well as bile duct, intestine, liver, stomach, and urinary conditions.
At this time, there is a lack of studies to support chanca piedra for any use. Early research suggests its abilities to fight viruses, prevent formation of calculi (mineral stones in organs), protect the liver, and reduce blood sugar and blood pressure. Additional information is needed in these areas.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Research using chanca piedra in viral hepatitis patients has reached conflicting conclusions. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Research using chanca piedra in viral hepatitis patients has reached conflicting conclusions. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that chanca piedra may reduce blood sugar in some individuals with diabetes. However, the effect of chanca piedra on blood sugar is inconclusive.

 C


Early research suggests that chanca piedra may reduce blood sugar in some individuals with diabetes. However, the effect of chanca piedra on blood sugar is inconclusive.

 C


Research using chanca piedra in hepatitis B individuals has conflicting conclusions. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Research using chanca piedra in hepatitis B individuals has conflicting conclusions. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that chanca piedra may reduce blood pressure and blood sugar in individuals with high blood pressure. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that chanca piedra may reduce blood pressure and blood sugar in individuals with high blood pressure. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that chanca piedra may reduce HIV replication. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that chanca piedra may reduce HIV replication. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that chanca piedra may prevent liver damage in individuals with liver disease. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that chanca piedra may prevent liver damage in individuals with liver disease. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests a combination of black cumin and chanca piedra extract may benefit throat infection. The effect of chanca piedra alone is unclear. Additional research in this area is needed.

 C


Early research suggests a combination of black cumin and chanca piedra extract may benefit throat infection. The effect of chanca piedra alone is unclear. Additional research in this area is needed.

 C


Early research suggests that chanca piedra may benefits patients after shock therapy for kidney stones. However, other research suggests that chanca piedra may only affect urinary calcium levels. Additional research is needed before conclusions may be made.

 C


Early research suggests that chanca piedra may benefits patients after shock therapy for kidney stones. However, other research suggests that chanca piedra may only affect urinary calcium levels. Additional research is needed before conclusions may be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Generally, an infusion or weak tea of chanca piedra has been taken by mouth. Traditionally, individuals drink 1-3 cups daily or weekly. Some pharmacies in South America sell concentrated extracts with a daily dose of 2-6 milliliters, taken twice or thrice daily.
To treat acute viral hepatitis, 900 milligrams of powdered chanca piedra capsules has been taken by mouth three times daily for seven days.
To treat diabetes, 100 milliliters of chanca piedra extract has been taken by mouth twice daily for one week. Additionally, two pellets of chanca piedra, each 0.8 grams, have been taken three times daily by mouth for 10 days.
To treat hepatitis B, 200-1,100 milligrams of dried chanca piedra has been taken by mouth three times daily for up to three months.
To treat high blood pressure, two 0.8-gram pellets have been taken by mouth three times daily for 10 days.
To treat liver disease, three grams of chanca piedra powder has been taken by mouth three times daily for 30-45 days.
To treat urinary stones, 450 milligrams of chanca piedra has been taken by mouth three times daily for three months.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Chanca piedra may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Chanca piedra may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Chanca piedra may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Chanca piedra may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Chanca piedra may interact with agents for inflammation, pain relief, or wound healing; agents that alter immune function; agents that damage the liver; agents that increase urine output; agents that inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor (ARB), or endothelin; agents that mimic acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter); agents that protect against radiation; agents that protect against toxic effects of chemotherapy; agents that treat disorders of the blood, digestive tract, eyes, heart, or kidneys; agents that treat gout or inhibit xanthine oxidase (enzyme that breaks down purine); agents that widen blood vessels; agents used for cancer, diarrhea, fever, HIV/AIDS, malaria, obesity, or urinary stones; antibiotics, antivirals, cholesterol0lowering agents, fertility agents, interferons (man-made version of an immune system protein), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs, medications that reduce swelling and pain).

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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