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Nutritional Supplement

Phyllanthus

Also indexed as:Phyllanthus niruri, Phyllanthus Caroliniensis

  • Pain Management

    Pain

    Extracts of phyllanthus plants have shown a marked ability to decrease pain, apparently by decreasing inflammation. With liver-protective properties, they may be safer than drugs such as acetaminophen, which has toxicity to the liver.
    Pain
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    In animal research, alcohol/water extracts of plants from the genus phyllanthus (25 to 200 mg per 2.2 pounds body weight) have shown a marked ability to decrease pain.4 This family includes the plants Phyllanthus urinaria, P. caroliniensis, P. amarus, and P. niruri. Like aspirin, phyllanthus extracts appear to reduce pain by decreasing inflammation.5 Although they are six to seven times more potent than aspirin or acetaminophen6 in test tube studies, extracts of these plants also demonstrate liver-protective properties,7 suggesting they may be safer than drugs such as acetaminophen, which has well-documented toxicity to the liver. The usefulness of phyllanthus extracts for treating pain in humans is unknown.

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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

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Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

Phyllanthus has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,000 years and has a wide number of traditional uses including internal use for jaundice, gonorrhea, frequent menstruation, and diabetes and topical use as a poultice for skin ulcers, sores, swelling, and itchiness. The young shoots of the plant are administered in the form of an infusion for the treatment of chronic dysentery.8

References

1. Bharatiya VB. Selected Medicinal Plants of India. Bombay: Tata Press, 1992, 235-7.

2. Thyagarajan SP, Subramanian S, Thirunalasundar T, et al. Effect of Phyllanthus amarus on chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus. Lancet 1988:2:1017-8.

3. Wang M, Cheng H, Li Y, et al. Herbs of the genus Phyllanthus in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B: observations with three preparations from different geographical sites. J Lab Clin Med 1995;126:350-2.

4. Santos AR, Filho VC, Yunes RA, et al. Analysis of the mechanisms underlying the antinociceptive effects of extracts of plants from the genus Phyllanthus. Gen Pharmacol 1995;26:1499-506.

5. Cechinel Filho V, Santos AR, De Campos RO, et al. Chemical and pharmacological studies of Phyllanthus caroliniensis in mice. J Pharm Pharmacol 1996;48:1231-6.

6. Miguel OG, Calixto JB, Santos Ar, et al. Chemical and preliminary analgesic evaluation of geraniin and furosin isolated from Phyllanthus sellowianus, Planta Med 1996;62:146-9.

7. Syamasundar KV, Singh B, Thakur RS, et al. Antihepatotoxic principles of Phyllanthus niruri herbs. J Ethnopharmacol 1985;14:41-4.

8. Nadkarmi KM. India Materia Medica, vol 1. Bombay: Popular Prakashan Private Ltd., 1993, 947-8.

9. Reichert R. Phytotherapeutic alternatives for chronic hepatitis. Quart Rev Natural Med 1997;Summer:103-8.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.