Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) is an herb that is traditionally used against liver and kidney diseases. The whole plant is used by some cultures to make traditional medicine. This herb is commonly found growing in coastal areas and is abundant in bioactive components that carry its purported health benefits. Some of its vital components are as follows:
- Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, gallocatechin, rutin) which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Tannins (geraniin, corilagin), which can fight viruses, bacteria, and free radicals; they also help prevent cancer
- Lignans (phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin), which have anti-cancer properties.
Let’s take a look at some of the possible health benefits that we can obtain from this herb.
Kidney Stones
Chanca Piedra is an herb that is known to be as “stone breaker” because of its potential in curing kidney stones. Studies revealed that this less expensive over-the-counter alternative is an alkaline that may help prevent acidic kidney stones and help us urinate more.
A 2018 study involving 56 people with kidney stones have shown that after taking 4.5 grams of chanca piedra per day, about two-thirds of the participants have experienced a reduction in the size and number of kidney stones. The authors concluded that P.niruri [chanca piedra] contributed to the elimination of urinary calculi [kidney stones].
May Aid In Hepatitis B Treatment
There were studies showing the very strong potential of chanca Piedra against liver disorders, and in antiviral therapy. In a 2016 review, there were studies demonstrating how participants (50-60%) with hepatitis B who were administered with chanca Piedra experienced a reduction in hepatitis B antigen. Due to this, the herb may be effective against hepatitis B by inhibiting the replication (growth) of the hepatitis B virus.
Has Antioxidant Activities
Chanca Piedra has high phenolic content that possesses antioxidant activity which is beneficial in supporting balanced blood sugar and normal blood pressure. In one study, researchers noted that chanca piedra engages an enhanced antioxidant defense system.
May Help In Dealing With Sore Throat And Swollen Tonsils
There is research suggesting that taking a combination of chanca piedra and black seed by mouth for 7 days relieves pain in people with a sore throat and swollen tonsils.
Effective Pain and Fever Reducer
The effectiveness of Chanca Piedra is also found beneficial against joint soreness and in reducing fever. In cases of health problems such as flu and colic, chanca piedra has proven its usefulness as well.
