Herbs (Global Traditional) · Amazonian
Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) (Phyllanthus niruri)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) is an Amazonian herb containing phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin that supports kidney health by inhibiting calcium oxalate crystal formation. It increases urinary magnesium and potassium excretion while reducing crystal nucleation in the kidneys.
Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) is a small annual herb from the Phyllanthaceae family, native to tropical and subtropical regions including South American rainforests, India, coastal Texas, and parts of Africa and Asia. The whole plant (aerial parts, leaves, stems, roots, flowers) is traditionally used in medicine, with phytochemicals extracted through various solvents containing alkaloids, flavonoids, lignans, tannins, and polyphenols.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=56) tested P. niruri powder at 4.5g/day for 12 weeks in kidney stone patients, finding significant increases in urinary magnesium/creatinine ratio (58±22.5 to 69.1±28.6 mg/gCr24h, p=0.013) and potassium/creatinine ratio (39.3±15.1 to 51.3±34.7 mg/gCr24h, p=0.008). In vitro studies support H. pylori inhibition (PMID: 22034238), but no RCTs or meta-analyses for other conditions like hepatoprotection or antiviral effects were found in the provided research.
The only clinically studied dosage is 4.5g/day of powdered whole plant (standardized to minimum 1.5% tannins) divided into doses for 12 weeks in kidney stone patients. No dosage ranges for extracts or other standardizations are specified in human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) is not consumed as a macronutrient food source; it is used primarily as a medicinal herb, so traditional nutritional metrics (calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein) are negligible at typical dosing (1–3 g dried herb or 30–60 mL decoction per day). Its therapeutic value derives from a rich array of bioactive phytochemicals: **Lignans** – Phyllanthin (≈0.5–1.0% dry weight) and hypophyllanthin (≈0.2–0.5% dry weight) are the principal hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory lignans; niranthin, nirtetralin, and phyltetralin are also present in smaller quantities. **Tannins & Polyphenols** – Ellagitannins including geraniin (up to ≈1.5–3.0% dry weight, one of the most abundant single compounds), corilagin (≈0.3–0.8%), phyllanthusiin D, and amariin; gallic acid (≈0.1–0.4%), ellagic acid, and rutin contribute to overall antioxidant capacity. Total polyphenol content in aqueous extracts ranges from approximately 40–90 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dried leaf. **Flavonoids** – Quercetin (≈0.05–0.2%), astragalin (kaempferol-3-O-glucoside), quercitrin, and fisetin-4′-O-glucoside; total flavonoid content approximately 10–30 mg quercetin equivalents per gram dry weight. **Terpenoids** – Lupeol and lupeol acetate (triterpenoids, trace to ≈0.1%); phytol (diterpene alcohol present in leaf tissue). **Alkaloids** – Securinine-type alkaloids including 4-methoxy-securinine (norsecurinine) and related compounds in trace concentrations (typically <0.05%). **Organic acids** – Dehydrochebulic acid, brevifolin carboxylic acid, and amarulone. **Minerals (per 100 g dry herb, approximate)** – Potassium (≈1,200–1,800 mg), calcium (≈800–1,500 mg), magnesium (≈300–500 mg), phosphorus (≈200–350 mg), iron (≈15–30 mg), zinc (≈3–6 mg), and manganese (≈5–10 mg); mineral content varies significantly with soil and growing conditions. **Vitamins** – Small amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C, ≈10–25 mg/100 g fresh leaf) and traces of B-vitamins have been reported, though the herb is not a meaningful dietary source at medicinal doses. **Fiber** – Crude fiber constitutes approximately 10–18% of the dried aerial parts, but this is largely irrelevant at typical dosing. **Bioavailability notes** – Phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin are lipophilic lignans with moderate oral bioavailability that is enhanced when taken with a small amount of dietary fat; geraniin (hydrolyzable tannin) is partially hydrolyzed in the GI tract to ellagic acid and urolithins by gut microbiota, which may extend its systemic bioactivity. Aqueous decoctions preferentially extract tannins, flavonoid glycosides, and minerals, while hydroethanolic extracts (40–70% ethanol) yield higher concentrations of lignans and terpenoids. First-pass hepatic metabolism of lignans is significant, so standardized extracts (often standardized to ≥1% phyllanthin + hypophyllanthin or ≥2% bitters) are used to ensure consistent dosing in clinical settings.
Chanca piedra's bioactive compounds phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, and gallic acid inhibit calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and aggregation through interference with crystal surface interactions. The herb increases urinary excretion of magnesium and potassium, which act as natural crystallization inhibitors, while potentially modulating renal epithelial cell responses to oxalate exposure.
One randomized controlled trial (n=56) demonstrated that chanca piedra significantly increased urinary magnesium and potassium levels in kidney stone patients over 12 weeks. Preliminary in vitro studies show inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal formation, but human efficacy data remains limited. The current evidence is considered moderate for urinary mineral modulation but preliminary for actual stone prevention outcomes.
Chanca piedra appears generally well-tolerated in clinical studies with minimal reported adverse effects. However, it may interact with diabetes medications by potentially lowering blood glucose levels. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with existing kidney disease should consult healthcare providers before use.
