This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
How does Phyllanthus niruri work against hepatitis B?
Phyllanthus niruri contains bioactive compounds, specifically geraniin and corilagin, which directly inhibit hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) secretion. This mechanism reduces viral marker expression and helps suppress viral replication. Additionally, phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin provide hepatoprotective effects by shielding liver cells from oxidative damage and inflammation. These combined actions support the herb's traditional Ayurvedic use for hepatitis B and liver protection. Evidence level: C (preliminary clinical studies and in vitro research).
Can I take Phyllanthus niruri with blood thinners like warfarin?
Phyllanthus niruri may interact with blood thinners and anticoagulant medications. The herb may affect blood clotting parameters, potentially enhancing the effects of drugs like warfarin, aspirin, or other antiplatelet medications. This interaction could increase bleeding risk. If you are taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, consult your healthcare provider before using Phyllanthus niruri. Medical supervision and INR monitoring are recommended if combination use is considered necessary.
What is the recommended dosage of Phyllanthus niruri for liver conditions?
The typical adult dosage for Phyllanthus niruri in liver support is 500mg to 1 gram of standardized extract, or 3-6 grams of dried herb prepared as a decoction, taken twice daily. Standardized extracts should contain documented levels of active lignans such as phyllanthin. Dosage may vary based on the specific liver condition being addressed. Consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized recommendations, as individual needs differ based on health status and treatment goals.
Is Phyllanthus niruri safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
No, Phyllanthus niruri is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be strictly avoided. Traditional use and pharmacological studies suggest potential uterine stimulant and abortifacient properties, which may increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Safety during breastfeeding has not been established, so nursing mothers should also avoid this herb. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should seek guidance from a healthcare provider for safe alternatives for liver support.
What are the common side effects of Phyllanthus niruri?
Phyllanthus niruri is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort. There is also potential for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), particularly in people with diabetes or those taking glucose-lowering medications. These effects are typically dose-dependent. Discontinue use if adverse symptoms develop. People with diabetes should monitor blood glucose levels closely and consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C.
What is Phyllanthus niruri used for in Ayurvedic medicine?
In Ayurvedic medicine, Phyllanthus niruri (Bhumi Amla) is primarily used for hepatitis B treatment, liver protection, and managing jaundice. It is valued as an antiviral liver therapy that helps suppress hepatitis B surface antigen and protects hepatocytes from damage. Traditional applications also include supporting overall liver function and addressing various hepatic disorders. The herb's hepatoprotective and antiviral properties make it a cornerstone of Ayurvedic liver care protocols. Evidence level: C (traditional use supported by preliminary clinical evidence).
PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Phyllanthus niruri is a medicinal herb with reported hepatoprotective, antiviral, and anti-urolithiatic properties [PMID:27283048, PMID:17331318].
Background
Phyllanthus niruri is a small annual herb from the Phyllanthaceae (or Euphorbiaceae) family found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, America, China, and the Indian Ocean [PMID:28512988, PMID:37525037].
Traditional uses
It has long-standing records in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Malay ethnomedicine [PMID:27283048]. In India, it is commonly known as 'Bhumyamalaki' and used for the prevention and treatment of jaundice [PMID:38642916]. It is also used in Brazil to treat urinary calculi [PMID:15221244] and in Nigeria to treat fever and malaria symptoms [PMID:37473798].
Active compounds
The plant contains a diversity of bioactive compounds including lignans (such as phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, 8,9-epoxy brevifolin, brevifolin, and brevifolin carboxylate), alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids (including quercetin), tannins, polyphenols, coumarins, saponins, and lipids [PMID:38642916, PMID:17331318, PMID:37525036].
Mechanism of action
Hepatoprotective effects are associated with antioxidant activity [PMID:38642916, PMID:40518209]. For kidney stones, it is shown to interfere with calcium oxalate crystallization, reduce crystal aggregation, modify crystal structure and composition, and alter crystal interaction with tubular cells to reduce endocytosis [PMID:21176271, PMID:32990535]. Anti-inflammatory effects are facilitated by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and inhibiting prostaglandin and nitric oxide synthesis [PMID:40271556].
Clinical evidence
Evidence AKidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis)
Meta-analysis evaluated efficacy in reducing stone burden, though some reviews note limited supporting clinical evidence [PMID:32333735]. One RCT showed no significant difference in mean urinary parameters except for a slight reduction in urinary magnesium [PMID:15221244].
A 12-month randomized controlled trial found no significant difference in the change of CAP score or liver enzyme levels between the P. niruri extract group (3,000 mg daily) and placebo [PMID:37313177].
Evidence DDiabetic Neuropathy
A study of 33 patients received Bhumyamalaki Churna 3g twice daily for 30 days to assess sensory perception and symptoms like numbness and tingling [PMID:22529650].
Safety & adverse effects
One review suggests it can be used without significant adverse effects in the context of kidney stone treatment [PMID:32990535]. A toxicological evaluation in rats using whole plant ethanolic extract (30 or 300 mg/kg) was conducted to examine geno- and cytotoxicity [PMID:22290470].
Pregnancy & lactation
A study in rats evaluated the effect of aqueous extract (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) on maternal toxicity, reproductive outcomes, and fetal anomaly incidence, noting a lack of scientific confirmation of effects in humans [PMID:32145330].
Evidence summary
Evidence is mixed. While there is strong preclinical evidence (animal/cell models) for hepatoprotective and anti-urolithiatic activity, human clinical trials have shown inconsistent or non-significant results for NAFLD and urinary metabolic parameters.
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 24672644 (2014) — Hepatoprotective effect of silymarin. · World journal of hepatology
2.PMID: 27283048 (2016) — The pharmacological potential of Phyllanthus niruri. · The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
3.PMID: 38642916 (2025) — Phytochemical profile and hepatoprotective potentiality of Phyllanthus genus: a review. · The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
4.PMID: 32333735 (2020) — Phyllanthus niruri (stone breaker) herbal therapy for kidney stones; a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical efficacy, and Google Trends analysis of public interest. · The Canadian journal of urology
5.PMID: 40458577 (2025) — Systematic review of pharmacological, complementary, and alternative therapies for the prevention of calcium oxalate stones. · Asian journal of urology
Government sources
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
6.PMID: 28512988 (2017) — Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Phyllanthus niruri L.: A Review. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
7.PMID: 21176271 (2010) — Phyllanthus niruri as a promising alternative treatment for nephrolithiasis. · International braz j urol : official journal of the Brazilian Society of Urology
8.PMID: 32990535 (2021) — Phytotherapy and Herbal Medicines for Kidney Stones. · Current drug targets
9.PMID: 32145330 (2020) — Maternal-fetal repercussions of Phyllanthus niruri L. treatment during rat pregnancy. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
10.PMID: 28344029 (2017) — Herbal remedies for urinary stones used in India and China: A review. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
11.PMID: 37525036 (2023) — Screening of Phyllanthus niruri Leaves Phytoconstituents for Antiviral and Antibacterial Activity by Molecular Docking Studies. · Advances in experimental medicine and biology
12.PMID: 15221244 (2004) — Phyllanthus niruri normalizes elevated urinary calcium levels in calcium stone forming (CSF) patients. · Urological research
13.PMID: 22290470 (2012) — Genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and toxicological evaluation of whole plant extracts of the medicinal plant Phyllanthus niruri (Phyllanthaceae). · Genetics and molecular research : GMR
14.PMID: 22529650 (2011) — Effect of Atibalamula and Bhumyamalaki on thirty-three patients of diabetic neuropathy. · Ayu
15.PMID: 34192414 (2021) — Causes and prevention of kidney stones: separating myth from fact. · BJU international
16.PMID: 34681219 (2021) — Antiangiogenic Drugs in NASH: Evidence of a Possible New Therapeutic Approach. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
17.PMID: 37525037 (2023) — Screening of Phyllanthus niruri Plant Active Constituents for Anticancer and Antifungal Activity by Insilico Methods. · Advances in experimental medicine and biology
18.PMID: 18620498 (2008) — Ayurvedic medicine and renal calculi. · Journal of endourology
19.PMID: 37525053 (2023) — Molecular Docking Studies of Phyllanthus niruri Root Phytoconstituents for Antibreast Cancer Activity Using Multiple Proteins. · Advances in experimental medicine and biology
20.PMID: 34329860 (2021) — Targeting COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease through active phytocompounds of ayurvedic medicinal plants - Emblica officinalis (Amla), Phyllanthus niruri Linn. (Bhumi Amla) and Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) - A molecular docking and simulation study. · Computers in biology and medicine
21.PMID: 39789561 (2025) — The activity of a herbal medicinal product of Phyllanthus niruri and Silybum marianum powdered extracts (Heptex®) in patients with apparent risk factors for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: a phase II, multicentered, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. · BMC complementary medicine and therapies
22.PMID: 35765494 (2022) — The activity of Meniran (Phyllanthus niruri Linn.) extract on Salmonella pullorum infected broilers. · Veterinary world
23.PMID: 37473798 (2023) — Antiplasmodial and interferon-gamma-modulating activities of the aqueous extract of stone breaker (Phyllanthus niruri Linn.) in malaria infection. · Parasitology international
24.PMID: 17331318 (2006) — Phytochemicals from Phyllanthus niruri Linn. and their pharmacological properties: a review. · The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
25.PMID: 29617079 (2018) — Effect of phyllanthus niruri on metabolic parameters of patients with kidney stone: a perspective for disease prevention. · International braz j urol : official journal of the Brazilian Society of Urology
26.PMID: 37313177 (2023) — Effects of one-year supplementation with Phyllanthus niruri on fibrosis score and metabolic markers in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. · Heliyon
27.PMID: 40271556 (2025) — An Updated Review on the Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Phyllanthus Genus. · Chemistry & biodiversity
28.PMID: 40480426 (2025) — Phyllanthus niruri in the management of nephrolithiasis: A systematic review of the literature. · Actas urologicas espanolas
29.PMID: 40518209 (2025) — Hepatoprotective potential of Phyllanthus niruri and Andrographis paniculata in isoniazid-rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in rats. · The Indian journal of tuberculosis
30.PMID: 28718838 (2017) — Phyllanthus Niruri Standardized Extract Alleviates the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Decreases Atherosclerotic Risk in Sprague-Dawley Rats. · Nutrients