Research

Phyllanthus niruri (Chanca Piedra / Stonebreaker)

35 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

5
Meta-analyses
3
Systematic reviews
23
RCTs
4
Other studies
Meta-analyses (14%)
Systematic reviews (9%)
RCTs (66%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2025·Actas urologicas espanolas·J Iregui-Parra, V Rojas Ossa, C M Arias Salazar, et al

Phyllanthus niruri in the management of nephrolithiasis: A systematic review of the literature.

Systematic review

Systematic review evaluating Phyllanthus niruri's potential in managing nephrolithiasis. The review found that PN may enhance treatment efficacy and reduce stone recurrence, with evidence supporting its safety and benefits as an adjuvant to ESWL.

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2023·Archives of virology·Richa Upadhyay, Kavindra Nath Tiwari

The antiviral potential of Phyllanthus species: a systematic review.

Systematic review

Systematic review discussing the therapeutic potential of Phyllanthus species against various viruses including HBV, HCV, HIV, herpes simplex virus, and SARS-CoV-2. The review validates the use of Phyllanthus in antiviral remedies based on in vitro, in vivo studies, and clinical trials.

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2020·The Canadian journal of urology·Survandita Dhawan, Ephrem O Olweny

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.

Meta-analysis

Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy of Phyllanthus niruri in reducing kidney stone size and number. The analysis found significant decreases in mean stone size and number with P. niruri treatment. Google Trends analysis showed growing public interest in P. niruri compared to conventional stone therapies.

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2013·The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·Yun Xia, Hui Luo, Jian Ping Liu, et al

Phyllanthus species versus antiviral drugs for chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Meta-analysisn = 290

Meta-analysis of five randomised clinical trials with 290 patients comparing phyllanthus species to antiviral drugs for chronic hepatitis B. Phyllanthus showed a superior effect on clearance of serum HBeAg in conventional meta-analysis but not in trial sequential analysis. No significant effects were found on clearance of serum HBsAg or HBV DNA. Insufficient evidence to support or refute phyllanthus use for chronic hepatitis B.

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2011·The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·Yun Xia, Hui Luo, Jian Ping Liu, et al

Phyllanthus species for chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Meta-analysisn = 1,326

Meta-analysis of 16 randomized trials with 1326 patients assessing phyllanthus species for chronic HBV infection. One trial found no significant difference in HBeAg seroconversion with phyllanthus compared to placebo. Phyllanthus plus an antiviral drug showed significant effects on serum HBV DNA and HBeAg, but results were questioned due to heterogeneity and potential errors.

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2009·Journal of endourology·Trevor D Schuler, Rohan Shahani, R John D'A Honey, et al

Medical expulsive therapy as an adjunct to improve shockwave lithotripsy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 418

Systematic review and meta-analysis of four randomized trials assessing the addition of medical expulsive therapy (MET) to shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) for urinary calculi. MET agents included tamsulosin, nifedipine, and Phyllanthus niruri extract. The addition of MET significantly improved SWL outcomes, particularly for stones larger than 10 mm.

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2001·Journal of viral hepatitis·J Liu, H Lin, H McIntosh

Genus Phyllanthus for chronic hepatitis B virus infection: a systematic review.

Meta-analysisn = 1,947Immunity

Systematic review of 22 randomized trials (n=1947) evaluating genus Phyllanthus for chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Phyllanthus showed positive effects on clearance of serum HBsAg compared to placebo or no intervention, and was better than nonspecific treatment or other herbal medicines for clearance of serum HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA, and liver enzyme normalization. Phyllanthus plus IFN combination showed better effects than IFN alone. No serious adverse events reported, but evidence is limited by low methodological quality.

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2001·The Cochrane database of systematic reviews·J P Liu, H McIntosh, H Lin

Chinese medicinal herbs for asymptomatic carriers of hepatitis B virus infection.

Systematic reviewn = 307

Systematic review of three RCTs with 307 patients assessing Chinese medicinal herbs for asymptomatic hepatitis B carriers. 'Jianpi Wenshen recipe' showed significant effects on viral markers compared to interferon, while Phyllanthus amarus and Astragalus membranaceus showed no significant antiviral effect compared with placebo. The methodological quality was poor, and more rigorous trials are needed.

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2025·BMC complementary medicine and therapies·Mohamed Kamal Shaker, Mohamed Hassany, Basem Eysa, et al

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.

RCTn = 146

Phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Heptex® capsules containing Phyllanthus niruri and Silybum marianum extracts in 146 patients at risk for NASH. Significant decreases in ALT and AST levels were observed in the treatment groups, with no significant changes in Fib-4 score or lipid profile except for a decrease in total cholesterol in the low-dose group. Heptex® was safe and well tolerated over 36 weeks.

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2021·Indian journal of pharmacology·Karri Sowjanya, Chandrashekaran Girish, Chanaveerappa Bammigatti, et al

Efficacy ofon improving liver functions in patients with alcoholic hepatitis: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 71Nutrition

Double-blind RCT assessing the efficacy of Phyllanthus niruri on liver and renal function, and antioxidant levels in alcoholic hepatitis patients. While liver and renal function parameters did not improve significantly, total antioxidant levels and appetite were significantly increased with P. niruri over 4 weeks.

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2018·Complementary medicine research·Chiara Baiguera, Arianna Boschetti, Elena Raffetti, et al

Phyllanthus niruri versus Placebo for Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

RCTn = 50Immunity -

RCT investigating the efficacy and safety of Phyllanthus niruri in 50 subjects with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. No significant differences in viral load or HBsAg clearance were found between the Phyllanthus and placebo groups after 12 months, and no serious adverse events occurred.

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2013·Chinese journal of integrative medicine·Guang-dong Tong, Xi Zhang, Da-qiao Zhou, et al

Efficacy of early treatment on 52 patients with preneoplastic hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma by compound Phyllanthus Urinaria L.

RCTn = 102Longevity

RCT of 102 cirrhosis patients with preneoplastic HBV-associated HCC comparing Compound Phyllanthus Urinaria L. (CPUL) treatment to no treatment. CPUL reduced HBV-DNA levels and the number of positive antibodies, and significantly delayed the development of HCC compared to the control group.

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2013·Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology·Vincent Wai-Sun Wong, Grace Lai-Hung Wong, Anthony Wing-Hung Chan, et al

Treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with Phyllanthus urinaria: a randomized trial.

RCTn = 60

RCT of 60 patients with histology-proven NASH comparing Phyllanthus urinaria to placebo for 24 weeks. Phyllanthus was not superior to placebo in improving NAFLD activity score, with small reductions in hepatic steatosis and ballooning grades that were of limited clinical significance.

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2006·The Journal of urology·S Micali, M C Sighinolfi, A Celia, et al

Can Phyllanthus niruri affect the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for renal stones? A randomized, prospective, long-term study.

RCTn = 150

RCT evaluating the efficacy of Phyllanthus niruri extract (Uriston) after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for renal stones in 150 patients. The stone-free rate was higher in the treatment group, especially for lower caliceal stones, with no side effects reported.

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2004·Urological research·J L Nishiura, A H Campos, M A Boim, et al

Phyllanthus niruri normalizes elevated urinary calcium levels in calcium stone forming (CSF) patients.

RCTn = 69

RCT of 69 calcium stone forming patients evaluating the effect of Phyllanthus niruri on urinary biochemical parameters. P. niruri intake significantly reduced urinary calcium in hypercalciuric patients, though no significant differences in calculi voiding or pain relief were observed.

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2001·The Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health·W Xin-Hua, L Chang-Qing, G Xing-Bo, et al

A comparative study of Phyllanthus amarus compound and interferon in the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B.

RCTn = 55

RCT comparing Phyllanthus amarus compound (PA Co) to interferon in 55 patients with chronic viral hepatitis B. The treatment group showed higher normalization rates of ALT, A/G, and SB, indicating a positive effect on liver function and HBV replication inhibition.

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2019·Journal of bodywork and movement therapies·Decha Pinkaew, Kanokwan Kiattisin, Khanittha Wonglangka, et al

Phonophoresis of Phyllanthus amarus nanoparticle gel improves functional capacity in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 40Joint Bone Health

RCT examining the effects of Phyllanthus amarus nanoparticle gel applied by phonophoresis in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study found significant improvements in pain reduction and functional capacity in the PP group compared to the UT group.

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2019·Chinese journal of integrative medicine·Pinkaew Decha, Kiattisin Kanokwan, Tocharus Jiraporn, et al

Phonopheresis Associated with Nanoparticle Gel from Phyllanthus amarus Relieves Pain by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Proinflammatory Markers in Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis.

RCTn = 30Joint Bone Health Inflammation

RCT involving 30 subjects with knee osteoarthritis comparing nanoparticle gel phonophoresis of Phyllanthus amarus to conventional ultrasound therapy. The treatment group showed significant reductions in pain and inflammatory markers, and increased antioxidant levels compared to the control group.

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2019·Pharmaceutical biology·Annie George, Jay K Udani, Ashril Yusof

Effects of Phyllanthus amarus PHYLLPROleaves on hangover symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study.

RCTn = 15Inflammation Mood

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study evaluated the effects of PHYLLPRO™, a standardized ethanol extract of Phyllanthus amarus leaves, on hangover symptoms and oxidative stress in 15 subjects. The active group showed reduced hangover symptoms, improved mood, and significant anti-inflammatory effects compared to the placebo group.

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2014·Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine·Elisângela Colpo, Carlos D D A Vilanova, Romaiana P Pereira, et al

Antioxidant effects of Phyllanthus niruri tea on healthy subjects.

RCTn = 5

RCT investigating the antioxidant effects of Phyllanthus niruri tea on 5 healthy male volunteers. Plasma levels of gallic acid and ascorbic acid increased after ingestion, suggesting a slight increase in antioxidant markers.

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1999·Tropical gastroenterology : official journal of the Digestive Diseases Foundation·M Narendranathan, A Remla, P C Mini, et al

A trial of Phyllanthus amarus in acute viral hepatitis.

RCTn = 57

RCT comparing Phyllanthus amarus powders to placebo in 57 patients with acute viral B hepatitis. The study found that Phyllanthus amarus did not significantly reduce the duration of jaundice.

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1995·The Journal of laboratory and clinical medicine·M Wang, H Cheng, Y Li, et al

Herbs of the genus Phyllanthus in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B: observations with three preparations from different geographic sites.

RCTn = 123Immunity

RCT testing three different Phyllanthus extracts on 123 patients with chronic hepatitis B. Phyllanthus urinaria was more effective in promoting loss of hepatitis B e-antigen and seroconversion of hepatitis B e-antibody status compared to other preparations. No change in hepatitis B s-antigen status was observed.

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1994·The New Zealand medical journal·A Milne, N Hopkirk, C R Lucas, et al

Failure of New Zealand hepatitis B carriers to respond to Phyllanthus amarus.

RCT

RCT investigating the response of New Zealand hepatitis B carriers to Phyllanthus amarus. The study found a failure to respond.

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1991·Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet·V Thamlikitkul, S Wasuwat, P Kanchanapee

Efficacy of Phyllanthus amarus for eradication of hepatitis B virus in chronic carriers.

RCTn = 65

RCT of 65 adult asymptomatic chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus testing Phyllanthus amarus 600 mg per day for 30 days versus placebo. Conversion rate of HBsAg was 6% in the study group at day 30. A further 30-day treatment with 1,200 mg per day showed conversion in 5% of the higher dose group. No adverse effects were observed.

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1990·Lancet (London, England)·A Leelarasamee, S Trakulsomboon, P Maunwongyathi, et al

Failure of Phyllanthus amarus to eradicate hepatitis B surface antigen from symptomless carriers.

RCTImmunity -

RCT investigating the effect of Phyllanthus amarus on eradicating hepatitis B surface antigen in symptomless carriers. The study found that Phyllanthus amarus failed to eradicate the antigen.

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1990·Vaccine·B S Blumberg, I Millman, P S Venkateswaran, et al

Hepatitis B virus and primary hepatocellular carcinoma: treatment of HBV carriers with Phyllanthus amarus.

RCT

The study investigates the effect of Phyllanthus amarus extracts on hepatitis B virus (HBV) and woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV). In vitro, the extracts inhibited the DNA polymerase of HBV and WHV. In vivo, three of four recently infected WHV carriers treated with P. amarus lost WHV, and animals infected for longer showed decreased virus levels. Preliminary human trials indicated that approximately 60% of HBV carriers lost the virus after 1 month of oral treatment.

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1989·Cancer detection and prevention·B S Blumberg, I Millman, P S Venkateswaran, et al

Hepatitis B virus and hepatocellular carcinoma--treatment of HBV carriers with Phyllanthus amarus.

RCT

Study on the effects of Phyllanthus amarus extract on hepatitis B virus (HBV) and woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV). In woodchuck carriers, recent infections were cleared in three of four animals, while longer infections showed decreased virus levels. In human HBV carriers, oral treatment for 1 month resulted in about 60% losing the virus, with no return during the observation period.

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2022·Bantara Journal of Animal Science·Puji Astuti, D. A. Irawati

The Effectiveness of Meniran (Phyllanthus niruri) and Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) Herbs on Broiler Chicken Performance

Animal studyn = 100

The study evaluated the performance of broiler chickens given Phyllanthus niruri and Centella asiatica extracts over 32 days. The results showed no significant differences in drinking water consumption and average daily gain between treatments, but significant differences in feed consumption and feed conversion ratio were observed.

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1995·Indian journal of experimental biology·N Srividya, S Periwal

Diuretic, hypotensive and hypoglycaemic effect of Phyllanthus amarus.

RCTn = 9Heart Health Nutrition

The study assessed the diuretic, hypotensive, and hypoglycaemic effects of Phyllanthus amarus on nine mild hypertensive human subjects, some with diabetes mellitus, over 10 days. Significant increases in urine volume and Na levels, reduction in systolic blood pressure, and decreased blood glucose were observed, with no harmful side effects.

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1994·Indian journal of gastroenterology : official journal of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology·J C Doshi, A B Vaidya, D S Antarkar, et al

A two-stage clinical trial of Phyllanthus amarus in hepatitis B carriers: failure to eradicate the surface antigen.

RCTn = 30Immunity -

RCT evaluating Phyllanthus amarus in 30 asymptomatic hepatitis B carriers for 4 to 8 weeks. None of the subjects cleared HBsAg, indicating Phyllanthus amarus is not effective in eradicating the virus.

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1991·Journal of hepatology·L Berk, R A de Man, S W Schalm, et al

Beneficial effects of Phyllanthus amarus for chronic hepatitis B, not confirmed.

RCT

The paper likely discusses a randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of Phyllanthus amarus on chronic hepatitis B, but the beneficial effects were not confirmed.

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1988·Lancet (London, England)·S P Thyagarajan, S Subramanian, T Thirunalasundari, et al

Effect of Phyllanthus amarus on chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus.

RCTn = 37Immunity

Preliminary RCT treating chronic hepatitis B virus carriers with Phyllanthus amarus for 30 days. 59% of treated patients lost hepatitis B surface antigen compared to 4% of placebo controls. No return of antigen observed up to 9 months, with few or no toxic effects.

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2020·E. Darmawan, Iin Narwanti, S. Fatimah, et al

THE SUB-CHRONIC TOXICITY TEST OF MENIRAN (Phyllanthus niruri L.) AND PEGAGAN (Centella asiatica) EXTRACT IN WISTAR STRAIN RATS ON LIVER AND KIDNEY FUNCTION

Animal studyn = 40

Animal study evaluating the sub-chronic toxicity of a combination extract of meniran (Phyllanthus niruri) and pegagan (Centella asiatica) on liver and kidney function in Wistar rats. The study found no significant effects on SGOT, SGPT, BUN, and creatinine values after 28 days of administration at various doses.

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2013·Advances in Natural Sciences: Nanoscience and Nanotechnology·S. Mishra, H. Pandey, A. C. Pandey

Nanosuspension of Phyllanthus amarus extract for improving oral bioavailability and prevention of paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in Sprague–Dawley rats

Animal study

The study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of Phyllanthus amarus extract and its nanoparticles on paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in Sprague–Dawley rats. Both forms showed significant hepatoprotective effects, with the nanoparticles being more effective at a lower dose.

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2013·Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine·Obidike Ifeoma, Okhale Samuel, Aboh Mercy Itohan, et al

Isolation, fractionation and evaluation of the antiplasmodial properties of Phyllanthus niruri resident in its chloroform fraction.

Animal study

The study investigated the antiplasmodial activity of Phyllanthus niruri methanol extract and its fractions in mice. The chloroform fraction significantly suppressed parasitaemia, showing efficacy comparable to chloroquine. The methanol extract also demonstrated significant prophylactic antiplasmodial activity.

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