Botanical Overview
Phyllanthus niruri belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family and is commonly known as Chanca Piedra, Stonebreaker, Seed-under-leaf, or Stonebreaker plant. It is native to tropical regions of Asia, South America, the West Indies, and Africa. Traditionally, the whole plant including leaves and stems is used medicinally.
Energetics
Phyllanthus niruri is considered cooling and moistening in traditional energetics, with bitter and astringent tastes. It has a relaxing tonicity and primarily supports the flow of qi.
Primary Actions
- Cholagogic
- Diuretic
- Hepatoprotective
- Lithotriptic (helping break down stones)
- Antiviral
- Anti-inflammatory
Indications
Western
- Kidney stones
- Liver disorders
- Urinary tract infections
- Hepatitis
- Gallstones
- Inflammation
- Viral infections
- Jaundice
Syndromes
- Nephrolithiasis
- Chronic liver disease
- Urinary calculi
- Viral hepatitis
- Dyspepsia
TCM
- Dysuria
- Hepatic damp-heat
- Jaundice
Syndromes
- Damp-heat in liver and gallbladder
- Bladder heat
- Urinary difficulty
Ayurveda
- Kidney stones
- Urinary infections
- Liver disorders
Syndromes
- Mutrakricchra (painful urination)
- Pitta disorders
- Kamala (jaundice)
Unani
- Urinary tract disorders
- Hepatic diseases
- Stones in urinary tract
Syndromes
- Phosphaturia
- Hepatic congestion
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains lignans, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides including phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin which contribute to its hepatoprotective, antiviral, diuretic, and lithotriptic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion 2-4 g dried herb, 1-3 times daily
- Decoction 5-10 g dried plant, 2 times daily
- Powder 1-3 g daily
- Extract standardized to phyllanthin 100-300 mg daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated at traditional doses. Use caution during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. May interact with antidiabetic and antihypertensive medications; monitoring is advised. Avoid if allergic to Phyllanthus species.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers identified.
Selected References
- Phyllanthus niruri – MedlinePlus
- Phyllanthus niruri – Plants For A Future
- Phyllanthus niruri Linn. – WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
- Phyllanthus (Chanca Piedra) Uses, Benefits & Dosage – WebMD
- Phyllanthus niruri: Traditional uses and Phytochemistry – Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects