Medicinal Uses of Phyllantus Amarus

(EYIN OLOBE in Yoruba)

Common names for Phyllantus include Chanca

Piedra in Spanish, Bhumyamalaki in Ayurveda,

Quebra Pedra in Portuguese, Eyin Olobe in

Yoruba, Enyikwonwa and Ngwu in Ibo,

Oyomokeso Amanke Edem in Efik and Geeron-

Tsuntsaayee (bird’s millet) in Hausa.

It grows 50 to 70 centimeters tall and bears

ascending herbaceous branches. The bark is

smooth and light green. It bears numerous pale

green flowers which are often flushed with red.

The fruits are tiny, smooth capsules containing

seeds.

Phyllanthus is a genus of plant long used in herbal

medicine. Commonly used in ayurveda , species

such as Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus

niruri are touted as natural remedies for a variety

of health problems.

Plants of the Phyllanthus genus are said to help

with a number of health conditions, including:

bladder infections

colds

diabetes

hepatitis B

kidney disorders

ulcers

urinary tract infections

In addition, plants of the Phyllanthus genus are

said to alleviate pain, improve liver health, and

boost immune system.

Phyllanthus Niruri Medicinal Uses

This traditional herb acts as a protective shield

and curative medicine for Jaundice and other

liver related diseases. It is also used for

menstruation and uterus problems in women.

Studies conducted on mice show that:

• Phyllanthus niruri extracts benefit the liver

and protect it. Research says its protein fractions

protected liver tissues against oxidative stress by

improving antioxidative defense in mice.

• Phyllanthus niruri extracts demonstrate

lipid-lowering activities in cholesterol fed

hyperlipemic rats.

• Phyllanthus niruri may lower blood

pressure.

• Phyllanthus niruri benefits people with

kidney stones. Its intake interferes with the

growth of calcium oxalate crystals.

Phyllanthus niruri Health benefits

Traditionally, Phyllanthus nriuri has been used as

a home remedy in many countries. Its curative

properties are well known.

• It helps in restricting the growth of

hepatitis B virus found in the blood stream.

• The herb is said to have antifungal,

antiviral and hypoglecemic action.

• Aqueous extract of Phyllanthus niruri is

reported to have inhibitory effect on human

immunodeficiency virus.

• Its very useful in the treatment of liver

diseases like jaundice and liver cirrohosis. It

helps to remedy fatty liver and liver damage due

to any reason. It promotes liver action.

• It is also said to be used in the case of

anorexia.

• It is diuretic and hence is used in urinary

tract infections and bacterial infections like

cyctitis and protastitis.

Home remedies with Phyllanthus niruri

• It can be used to increase the appetite and

locally to relieve inflammations.

• Leaves are a popular remedy against fever.

• Infusion of young shoots is given in

dysentery.

• Fresh juice of the whole plant along with

clarified butter is very effective in the treatment

of Menorrhagia, Leucorrhea and Gonorrhea.

The whole plant also contains potassium. Regular

intake of a small quantity of leaves in the

morning on an empty stomach helps to get rid of

the toxins due to insect and spider bites.

Phyllanthus Side Effects and Safety Concerns

To date, little is known about the safety of long-

term use of supplements containing extracts of

plants of the Phyllanthus genus.

There’s some concern that use of these

supplements may increase the effects of certain

medications (such as drugs used in the treatment

of diabetes and high blood pressure ). Therefore,

it’s important to consult a physician prior to taking

supplements containing extracts of plants of the

Phyllanthus genus in combination with other

medications.

Local Preparation:

An aqueous decoction (herb boiled gently in

water) must be made. A tincture is not so good.

My method is to take one or two small plants, cut

them up, bash them to lightly bruise it and open it

up, throw all these into a pot, add 2 litres of water

and boil down gently to 1 litre, cool, strain and

then pour into a container and store in the fridge.

I pour out a third of a glass of this decoction

twice a day. If you like, add a little orange juice or

a little more water to suppress the bitterness and

down it in one.