In this monograph about chanca piedra:
📖 Introduction | 🌱 Botanical Description | 📜 Traditional Uses | 🔍 Phytochemistry | ✨ Applications and Uses | 🛡️ Safety Profile
📖 Introduction
Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) is a small herb traditionally used to support kidney and gallbladder health. Often referred to as “stone breaker,” its name stems from its historical use in South American folk medicine to address kidney stones and gallstones.
| English Name | Chanca piedra |
| Latin Name | Phyllanthus niruri |
| Parts Used | Aerial parts |
| Traditional Uses | Supporting kidney health, liver protection |
| Herbal Actions | Diuretic, hepatoprotective, antilithic, antispasmodic |
🌱 Botanical Description
Scientific Classification
Phyllanthus niruri belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family.
Physical Characteristics
This herb features small, green leaves and tiny, smooth fruits. It typically grows to 4-24 inches in height.
Natural Habitat and Cultivation Details
Native to tropical regions of the Amazon rainforest, Chanca piedra thrives in humid environments. It has successfully adapted to other tropical climates around the world.
📜 Traditional Uses
Chanca piedra has been used in various traditional medicines to support liver health, help manage viral infections, and, most notably, address kidney and gallbladder stones. It is commonly employed in the traditional medical systems of South America and India for urinary and digestive health.
🔍 Phytochemistry (Active Constituents)
Chanca piedra contains several active compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties:
- Lignans (including phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin): These compounds show hepatoprotective potential in animal studies by reducing liver enzyme levels, suggesting liver protection. However, human studies are limited, and further research is needed.
- Flavonoids: Known for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, flavonoids in Chanca piedra may reduce oxidative stress and support immune function. While they may also aid liver health, more human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
- Alkaloids: Chanca piedra’s alkaloids may have antispasmodic effects, potentially aiding kidney stone passage by relaxing urinary tract muscles. They also show antiviral activity in lab studies, but human research is insufficient.
✨ Applications and Uses
Chanca piedra is used in herbal medicine for the following purposes:
- Kidney and gallbladder health: Traditionally used to aid the breakdown and passage of kidney and gallstones. Some studies suggest it may reduce the size and formation of calcium oxalate stones, but more human research is needed to confirm its long-term efficacy.
- Liver health: This may support liver function and protect against conditions like hepatitis. Preliminary animal studies show hepatoprotective properties, but human clinical evidence is limited.
- Antiviral applications: It has traditionally been used for viral infections, including hepatitis B. Lab studies have shown antiviral effects, but human trials are limited, and further research is needed to confirm these findings.
🛡️ Safety Profile
Chanca piedra is generally safe in moderate doses, but caution is advised for individuals with certain conditions. Its diuretic and hypoglycemic effects may lower blood sugar and increase urine output, so people with low blood pressure or diabetes should use it carefully, as it can enhance the effects of their medications.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it due to insufficient safety data. While severe side effects are rare, potential interactions with diuretics and anti-diabetic medications exist. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting Chanca piedra to ensure safety based on your health and medications.