Phyllantus niruri is highly indicated in the management of kidney and gallbladder stones, hepatitis and liver disorders. In a study carried out by Nishuira et al in 2004 and published in the Urological Research Journal, they found out that Phyllantus niruri normalizes elevated urinary calcium levels in calcium stone forming patients. According to this group, P. niruri interferes with different stages of stone formation in the kidney. It modifies the structure and composition of the crystals and reduces their aggregation. It also alters the interaction of the crystals with tubular epithelial cells.
Another group of researchers led, by Boim M. A. looked at P. Niruri as a promising alternative treatment of nephrolithiasis [kidney stones]. In their findings published in the International Brazil Journal of Urology in 2010, they found the clinical beneficial effect of P. niruri to be the relaxation of the ureters [the tube through which urine passes from the kidneys to the bladder]. This helps to expel the stones that would otherwise have been retained in the kidneys or to clear fragments following lithotripsy [a medical procedure by which internal hardened masses can be physically destroyed].
Phyllantus niruri is known to have a diuretic effect and therefore causes an increase in urine output. An increase in urine output leads to the elimination of stones. Not only that, there is increased excretion of sodium and creatinine, which reduces the risk of kidney failure. Regular consumption of the leaves, flower, seeds and stem of P. Niruri as ground powder or tea is a sure prevention against kidney stone formation, in especially those that are prone to it.
Phyllantus niruri and other related plants are said to have analgesic effects that maybe three to four times more potent than morphine and indomethacin respectively. Together with their antispasmodic action, they have been found to be very suitable remedy for both kidney and gallbladder stones. The analgesic property of this plant has proven to be very effective in dealing with the severe pain that is associated with stones in the kidney and gall bladder. The spasmolytic [relaxation of smooth muscles] action of this group of plants is specific to the smooth muscles of both the ureters and bile ducts. Doctors in Brazil, Peru and Germany have reported a 94 per cent to 100 per cent success in the elimination of kidney and gall stones in their patients.
Extracts of Phyllantus niruri and other related species have also shown marked anti-hepatitis B surface antigen activity. Studies have shown that P. niruri may have the capacity to inhibit the genetic material of the virus. Even among carriers, P. niruri reduces the virus titre and has completely reduced it to zero in some cases.
In summary, Phyllantus niruri possesses the following properties: antiviral, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, diuretic, antispasmodic, analgesic and antipyretic.
General medical uses of P. niruri include diabetes, kidney and gallbladder stones, hepatitis, viral infections, liver diseases, jaundice and liver cancer. Other uses are bacterial infections like tuberculosis, inflammation of the bladder and the prostate, venereal diseases and urinary tract infections, malaria fever and all kinds of cellular protection. Conditions like hypertension, anaemia, colds and flu also respond to P. niruri.
The leaves, stem, seeds and roots of P. niruri can be dried and ground into a powder that can be sprinkled on your food. Alternatively, you allow the whole plant, leaves, stem and root to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes and take in small amounts, four to five times daily if you already have a stone in the gall bladder or kidney. A cup of tea with the plant can be taken once or twice for maintenance. There are also supplements of Phyllantus niruri in tablet or capsule form. These supplements can be found in health food shops. Alternatively, you can purxhase them from online shops.
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