Chanca piedra

Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri), is a tropical medicinal plant native primarily to South America, India, and Southeast Asia. The name “Chanca piedra” comes from Spanish and roughly means “stone breaker” – a reference to its traditional use for the dissolution of kidney and gallstones. The plant is an integral part of Ayurvedic and South American folk medicine and is enjoying growing popularity in modern phytotherapy.

What benefits does Chanca piedra offer?

Chanca piedra is valued to a special degree in traditional medicine for a variety of health-promoting effects. Research on Phyllanthus niruri points to a range of different effects, and the number of studies published on the plant is growing. Some of the effects studied are briefly summarized below. As always, however, these studies must be viewed critically. Not all studies are readily transferable, and some of the cited sources are studies that were conducted with animals.

  • Kidney and gallstones: The plant is considered a natural remedy to support the dissolution and prevention of urinary and gallstones. Studies suggest that it can inhibit the formation of calcium oxalate crystals (1,2,3).
  • Liver support: In traditional medicine, Chanca piedra is used for liver diseases such as hepatitis B and other liver problems. According to studies, it potentially possesses protective and regenerating properties for liver cells (1,4,5).
  • Antimicrobial effect: In studies, antiviral effects were observed particularly against hepatitis viruses, which can positively influence the course of the disease (1,6,7,8).
  • Blood sugar regulation: Some studies report a blood sugar-lowering effect, which makes the plant interesting for diabetics (1,9).
  • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant: In studies, the plant shows anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects and protects the cells from oxidative stress (1,10,11).
  • Pain-relieving effect: Results of scientific investigations suggest a pain-relieving effect of the plant's compounds (1).

How does Chanca piedra work?

The medicinal effect of Chanca piedra is based on a variety of bioactive compounds, lignans (such as phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin), alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and tanning agents. The synergistic effect of these compounds makes Chanca piedra a potent natural remedy for kidney, liver, and metabolic problems.

Side Effects and Risks

Although Chanca piedra is generally considered well tolerated, the following notes should be observed during use, and as always, any use should take place only under the supervision of medical professionals. Above all because more research is needed to conclusively verify the effects:

  • Pregnancy: Due to possible antispasmodic effects, Chanca piedra should not be used during pregnancy.
  • Long-term use: Over longer periods, use should be coordinated with a therapist, especially in the case of existing underlying conditions.

Conclusion

Chanca piedra is a versatile medicinal plant with an effect on urinary and gallstones, liver problems, and viral infections, which could be demonstrated in studies. As always, however, caution is advised when taking it, as further research is necessary to conclusively understand the mechanisms of action and to be able to conclusively prove all effects.

Sources:

  1. Lee, N. Y., Khoo, W. K., Adnan, M. A., Mahalingam, T. P., Fernandez, A. R., & Jeevaratnam, K. (2016). The pharmacological potential of Phyllanthus niruri. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology, 68(8), 953–969. https://doi.org/10.1111/jphp.12565
  2. Barros, M. E. G., Schor, N., & Boim, M. A. (2010). Phyllanthus niruri as a promising alternative treatment for nephrolithiasis. International Brazilian Journal of Urology, 36(6), 657–664. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1677-55382010000600002
  3. Rodgers AL et al. Herbal preparations affect the kinetic factors of calcium oxalate crystallization in synthetic urine: implications for kidney stone therapy. Urolithiasis 2014; 42: 221–225.
  4. Amin ZA et al. Gene expression profiling reveals underlying molecular mechanism of hepatoprotective effect of Phyllanthus niruri on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. BMC Complement Alter Med 2013; 13: 160.
  5. Amin ZA et al. Protective role of Phyllanthus niruri extract against thioacetamide-induced liver cirrhosis in rat model. Evid Based Complement Alter Med 2012; 2012: 241583.
  6. Liu S et al. In vitro and in vivo anti-hepatitis B virus activities of the lignan nirtetralin B isolated from Phyllanthus niruri L. J Ethnopharmacol 2014; 157: 62–68.
  7. Wei W et al. Lignans with anti-hepatitis B virus activities from Phyllanthus niruri L. Phytother Res: PTR 2012; 26: 964–968.
  8. Chatterjee M et al. Herbal (Phyllanthus niruri) protein isolate protects liver from nimesulide induced oxidative stress. Pathophysiology 2006; 13: 95–102.
  9. Okoli CO et al. Studies on the possible mechanisms of antidiabetic activity of extract of aerial parts of Phyllanthus niruri. Pharm Biol. 2011; 49: 248–255.
  10. Obidike IC et al. The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of the chloroform fraction from Phyllanthus niruri plant is mediated via the peripheral nervous system. J Dietary Suppl 2010; 7: 341–350.
  11. Colpo E et al. Antioxidant effects of Phyllanthus niruri tea on healthy subjects. Asian Pacific J Trop Med 2014; 7: 113–118.