Benefits of Chanca Piedra

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What Are the Benefits of Chanca Piedra?





What Is Chanca Piedra

Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) is a widespread tropical plant commonly found in coastal areas, known by the common names gale of the wind, stonebreaker or seed-under-leaf. It is a relative of the spurges, belonging to the Phyllanthus genus of the family Phyllanthaceae.
It is a plant from the Amazon rainforest that has provided naturopaths with a powerful, plant-based ally for supporting bladder, kidney, gallbladder, and liver health. Traditionally, chanca piedra is viewed as a health supplement that promotes the liver’s normal function by aiding its detoxification efforts to purge harmful substances.
Names
Common names for Phyllanthus niruri include chanca piedra in Spanish, quebra pedra in Portuguese, It has many other common names in assorted languages, including dukong anak, dukong-dukong anak,etc (in Indonesia), Obukoko in Urhobo language, Nli-ndulie in Ukwani language in Niger-Delta region of Nigeria.
 
The Benefits of Chanca Piedra

Chanca Piedra, Gallstones, and Kidney Stones

Chanca Piedra has been used by the indigenous peoples of the Amazon for generations to support the elimination of gallstones and kidney stones. In Ayurvedic medicine, chanca piedra is thought to hold the most promise against kidney stone formation.  Although long-term randomized clinical trials are necessary to confirm therapeutic properties, some preliminary studies suggest chanca piedra may discourage in the gallbladder and kidneys and, indeed, have potential to provide defense against kidney stones.  A 2002 study found that chanca piedra stimulates bile secretion of the liver. Extra bile helps the digestion process, this benefits nutrient absorption, as well as waste elimination. In fact, we are so convinced of the benefits of chanca piedra gallbladder and kidney health that it’s part of the formulation for our kidney support product Renaltrex® and our liver cleanse supplement Livatrex®.

Chanca Piedra and the Liver

Traditional Chinese medicine has always cited chanca piedra as a herb that supports liver health.  The Department of Chemistry at Bose Institute in India conducted an animal study that investigated the liver protecting action of chanca piedra against acetaminophen toxicity. The results showed that a protein in chanca piedra protects liver tissues against oxidative stress, probably by increasing antioxidant defenses.  Study results from the Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research suggest compounds in chanca piedra may be a valuable component to a multi-herb, liver-support formulation.

Antioxidant Activity of Chanca Piedra

Chanca piedra has been evaluated for antioxidant activity and its response to high blood pressure and high blood sugar. The high phenolic content of chanca piedra has shown antioxidant activity, which has been found to support balanced blood sugar and normal blood pressure. This has created excitement about the potential of chanca piedra during times of distress. In one study researchers noted that chanca piedra engages an enhanced antioxidant defense system.

Action Against Harmful Organisms

Water extracts of chanca piedra are selectively toxic to some types of harmful organisms, without affecting beneficial organismsThe Universidad de la República studied 28 plant and algae species for activity against harmful organisms. Researchers noted that the most interesting activity was observed in chanca piedraThis observation and conclusion was duplicated by researchers at the University of Malaysia.

Other Benefits

  • Chanca piedra has been used in several countries for problems of the stomach. It is an herb used to treat various urinary tract disorders as well as digestive tract disorders.
  • Chanca piedra is said to contain chemicals that relieve spasms and fever, increase urine, and fight bacteria and viruses. It is also said to lower blood sugar.
Cautions
  • Chanca piedra may block pregnancy, increase the risk of low birth weight, or increase the risk of birth defects.
  • Chanca piedra might slow blood clotting.
  • Chanca piedra might affect blood sugar levels.

Interactions

  • Taking chanca piedra might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium.
  • Taking chanca piedra along with diabetes medications might cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar.

Research

Phyllanthus niruri has been investigated for its potential medicinal benefits. A 2010 review found some evidence that it is effective at inhibiting kidney stone formation, but indicated "longer-term randomized clinical trials are necessary to confirm its therapeutic properties". A Cochrane review from 2011 found that there is "no convincing evidence that phyllanthus, compared with placebo, benefits patients with chronic HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) infection.
Reseach among sufferers of Kidney stones has shown that, while intake of Phyllanthus niruri didn't lead to a significant difference in either stone voiding or pain levels, it may reduce urinary calcium, a contributing factor to stone growth. In addition, one study conducted on rats showed that an aqueous solution of Phyllanthus niruri may inhibit kidney stone growth and formation in animals who already have stones.

References
  •  Bagalkotkar G, Sagineedu SR, Saad MS, Stanslas J (December 2006). "Phytochemicals from Phyllanthus niruri Linn. and their pharmacological properties: a review". The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 58 (12): 1559–70. doi:10.1211/jpp.58.12.0001. PMID 17331318.
  •  Naik AD, Juvekar AR (September 2003). "Effects of alkaloidal extract of Phyllanthus niruri on HIV replication". Indian Journal of Medical Sciences 57 (9): 387–93. PMID 14515028. Retrieved 2009-06-20.
  •  http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21845#P2 What Is the Scientific Evidence for Phyllanthus?
  • "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species". Retrieved June 6, 2014.
  •  Patel, Jay Ram; Tripathi, Priyanka; Sharma, Vikas; Chauhan, Nagendra Singh; Dixit, Vinod Kumar (2011). "Phyllanthus amarus: Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology: A review". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 138 (2): 286–313. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.09.040. PMID 21982793.
  • Boim, MA; Heilberg, IP; Schor, N (2010). "Phyllanthus niruri as a promising alternative treatment for nephrolithiasis". International braz j urol : official journal of the Brazilian Society of Urology. 36 (6): 657–64; discussion 664. PMID 21176271.
  • Xia, Y; Luo, H; Liu, JP; Gluud, C (13 April 2011). "Phyllanthus species for chronic hepatitis B virus infection". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (4): CD008960. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008960.pub2. PMID 21491412.

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