Home Ingredients Phyllanthus niruri (Chanca Piedra)
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Phyllanthus niruri (Chanca Piedra)

Phyllanthus niruri
Evidence Level
Moderate
2 Clinical Trials
4 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Phyllanthus niruri — known as Chanca Piedra ('stone breaker') in South America — is a small tropical herb with a long folk-medicine tradition for urinary tract stones, liver complaints, and viral infections. Its active compounds include lignans (phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin), flavonoids, and ellagitannins. Best clinical evidence to date supports use for calcium-stone-forming patients: an RCT showed Phyllanthus niruri normalized elevated urinary calcium without major adverse effects. Hepatoprotective and antiviral activity has been documented in laboratory and animal studies, with some hepatitis B work in humans; however, Cochrane and other systematic reviews have found the antiviral evidence equivocal and not sufficient to recommend the herb as hepatitis treatment. Generally well-tolerated for short-term use; modern interest centers on urolithiasis and general hepatoprotection.

Studied Dose 500-2000 mg/day of dried herb or aqueous extract, divided doses; urolithiasis trial used 450 mg three times daily. Cycle 4-12 weeks. Adequate hydration is essential when used for kidney-stone support.
Active Compound Phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, niranthin, nirtetralin (lignans); ellagitannins (corilagin, geraniin); flavonoids including quercetin and rutin; alkaloids.

Benefits

Urinary Calcium Modulation

Phyllanthus niruri has been studied for its ability to reduce elevated urinary calcium excretion in calcium-stone-forming patients. By normalizing hypercalciuria, the herb may help maintain a less stone-promoting urinary environment when combined with adequate hydration.

Supported by Trial 1

Kidney Stone Support Tradition

Used for centuries in South American traditional medicine for 'stone breaking,' Phyllanthus niruri remains a widely recommended botanical for urolithiasis support. Modern data suggests it may help reduce stone-promoting factors though it does not directly dissolve existing stones.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Hepatoprotective Activity

Preclinical and small clinical studies have explored the herb's ability to protect liver cells from chemical and inflammatory stress. Constituents like phyllanthin and geraniin show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity relevant to general liver-support positioning.

Supported by Trial 2

Antioxidant Support

The polyphenol and ellagitannin fraction of Phyllanthus niruri exhibits substantial free-radical scavenging activity in vitro. This contributes to its broader use as a general 'cleansing' tonic in traditional and modern integrative practice.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Crystallization Inhibition

Aqueous extracts of Phyllanthus niruri interfere with calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and aggregation in laboratory models. This may help reduce the formation of new urinary crystals — a mechanism underlying its traditional 'stone breaker' use.

2

Urinary Calcium Normalization

Clinical data suggest the herb reduces elevated urinary calcium excretion in hypercalciuric patients. The mechanism is not fully defined but may involve modulation of renal calcium handling or intestinal absorption.

3

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, and ellagitannins scavenge reactive oxygen species and suppress inflammatory cytokine production in cell models. This dual antioxidant-anti-inflammatory profile supports the herb's hepatoprotective positioning.

4

Hepatic Enzyme Modulation

Animal studies have shown Phyllanthus niruri can normalize elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) in chemically-induced liver injury models. The herb's polyphenol fraction appears to support hepatocyte membrane integrity and detoxification capacity.

Clinical trials

1
Phyllanthus niruri for Calcium-Stone-Forming Patients

Clinical study of Phyllanthus niruri (450 mg three times daily) over an extended treatment period in 56 calcium-stone-forming patients, including patients with hypercalciuria. Urinary biochemistry assessed before and during treatment. (Nishiura et al, Urol Res)

56 calcium-stone-forming patients, including hypercalciuric subgroup.

Phyllanthus niruri induced a significant reduction in mean urinary calcium in hypercalciuric patients without significant adverse effects. The result supports the herb's traditional positioning for urolithiasis support and provides modest contemporary clinical evidence for use as adjunctive stone-prevention therapy alongside hydration and standard care.

2
Phyllanthus niruri Phytochemistry and Pharmacology — Review

Comprehensive review of Phyllanthus niruri phytochemistry and pharmacology, including hepatoprotective, antiviral, antioxidant, and antilithic activity from preclinical and clinical studies. (Kaur et al, Phytother Res)

Narrative review of preclinical and human literature.

The review synthesizes evidence for hepatoprotective and antilithic activity, with stronger support for the urolithiasis indication than for antiviral hepatitis claims. Authors note Cochrane analyses of hepatitis B trials have been equivocal, supporting cautious framing of liver-disease claims while affirming the herb's traditional and pharmacologic profile.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated; mild stomach upset or diarrhea possible.
Increased urination — drink adequate water throughout the day.
May modestly lower blood sugar; monitor in diabetic patients.
Avoid in pregnancy due to limited safety data and traditional emmenagogue reports.
Long-term safety beyond 12 weeks of continuous use is not well established.

Important Drug interactions

Antidiabetic medications (metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin) — possible additive blood glucose lowering; monitor
Antihypertensive medications — may have modest diuretic effects that lower blood pressure; monitor
Lithium — diuretic activity may affect lithium clearance; discuss with prescriber
Anticoagulants — limited interaction data; discuss with prescriber if on warfarin or DOACs

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Frequently asked questions about Phyllanthus niruri (Chanca Piedra)

What is Phyllanthus niruri used for?

Phyllanthus niruri, known as stonebreaker (chanca piedra), is a herb used traditionally for kidney and gallstones, urinary health, and liver support. Its nickname reflects its traditional use against stones.

Does Phyllanthus niruri help with kidney stones?

It is traditionally used and studied for supporting the passage and prevention of kidney stones (it may reduce crystal formation), as well as for liver and antiviral support. Evidence is preliminary but consistent with traditional use.

How much Phyllanthus niruri should I take?

It is used as a tea, tincture, or extract; follow product labeling. It is often used in courses for urinary and kidney goals.

Is Phyllanthus niruri safe?

It is generally well tolerated. It may lower blood sugar and blood pressure, so those on related medications should monitor. Pregnant women should avoid it. For diagnosed kidney stones, work with a doctor.

What is Phyllanthus niruri?

Phyllanthus niruri — known as Chanca Piedra ('stone breaker') in South America — is a small tropical herb with a long folk-medicine tradition for urinary tract stones, liver complaints, and viral infections. Its active compounds include lignans (phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin), flavonoids, and ellagitannins.

What is the recommended dosage of Phyllanthus niruri?

The clinically studied dose is 500-2000 mg/day of dried herb or aqueous extract, divided doses; urolithiasis trial used 450 mg three times daily. Cycle 4-12 weeks. Adequate hydration is essential when used for kidney-stone support. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Phyllanthus niruri safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Phyllanthus niruri is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated; mild stomach upset or diarrhea possible. Increased urination — drink adequate water throughout the day. It may also interact with some medications. Phyllanthus niruri is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Phyllanthus niruri interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Antidiabetic medications (metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin) — possible additive blood glucose lowering; monitor Antihypertensive medications — may have modest diuretic effects that lower blood pressure; monitor If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Phyllanthus niruri?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Phyllanthus niruri as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 3 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(3 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Nishiura JL, Campos AH, Boim MA, Heilberg IP, Schor N. Phyllanthus niruri normalizes elevated urinary calcium levels in calcium stone forming (CSF) patients. Urol Res. 2004;32(5):362-6. doi: 10.1007/s00240-004-0432-8.PubMedUsed to support: Foundational clinical trial — 56 calcium-stone-forming patients; Phyllanthus niruri (450 mg three times daily) significantly reduced mean urinary calcium in hypercalciuric patients without significant adverse effects. Core evidence for urolithiasis-support use
  2. Kaur N, Kaur B, Sirhindi G. Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Phyllanthus niruri L.: A Review. Phytother Res. 2017;31(7):980-1004. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5825.PubMedUsed to support: Comprehensive review of Phyllanthus niruri phytochemistry and pharmacology — supports hepatoprotective and antilithic mechanism narrative while noting that hepatitis B antiviral evidence is equivocal
  3. Lee NY, Khoo WK, Adnan MA, Mahalingam TP, Fernandez AR, Jeevaratnam K. The pharmacological potential of Phyllanthus niruri. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2016;68(8):953-69. doi: 10.1111/jphp.12565.PubMedUsed to support: Pharmacological review of Phyllanthus niruri across hepatoprotective, antilithic, antioxidant, and antiviral applications; supports broad mechanism profile and notes the herb is not a substitute for standard hepatitis therapy