Botanical Overview
Phyllanthus amarus of the family Phyllanthaceae is a small tropical herb commonly known as Bhui Amalaki, Carry me seed, or Stonebreaker. It is widely found in tropical regions of Asia, Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. The whole plant is used medicinally in traditional systems.
Energetics
This herb is considered cooling and moistening in nature with bitter and astringent tastes. Its energetic profile is generally relaxing and supports the qi aspect of bodily function. Directionality attributes are not well established.
Primary Actions
- Hepatoprotective
- Antiviral
- Diuretic
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
Indications
Western
- Jaundice
- Hepatitis symptoms
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
- Digestive complaints
- Viral infections
Syndromes
- Hepatitis
- Liver disorders
- Chronic kidney disease
- Viral hepatitis B
- Dyspepsia
TCM
- Damp-heat in liver/gallbladder
- Jaundice
- Bitter taste in mouth
- Urinary difficulty
Syndromes
- Liver Qi stagnation
- Damp-heat accumulation
- Liver heat jaundice
Ayurveda
- Hepatic disorders
- Urinary difficulties
- Fever
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Pitta disorders
- Kamala (jaundice)
- Mutraghata (urinary obstruction)
Unani
- Hepatic congestion
- Kidney disorders
- Fever
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Jaundice
- Hepatitis
- Miqras (inflammation)
Constituents & Mechanisms
Phyllanthus amarus contains phytochemicals such as lignans (including phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin), flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and glycosides. These contribute to its hepatoprotective, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 5-10 g dried whole plant boiled in 250 mL water, taken 2-3 times daily
- Powder: 1-3 g daily
- Standardized extracts (phyllanthin/hypophyllanthin): 100-300 mg daily
Safety & Contraindications
Phyllanthus amarus is generally well tolerated at recommended doses. Use during pregnancy is not advised due to insufficient data on safety. The herb should be used cautiously in individuals with bile duct obstruction and those taking hepatotoxic medications due to possible additive effects.
Astrological Correspondences
No credible traditional sources provide planetary or elemental rulers for Phyllanthus amarus; this information is currently not established.
Selected References
- Indian Medicinal Plants: A Compendium of 500 Species, Warrier et al., 1996
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 2, World Health Organization, 2002
- Phyllanthus amarus: ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology, Shah et al., 2009
- Pharmacognosy and phytochemistry of Phyllanthus amarus, Dubey, 2010
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd edition, McChesney et al., 2011