PHYLLANTHUS NIRURI HEALTH BENEFITS
Phyllanthus niruri has been found to exhibit inhibitory effect on
hepatitis B virus evident by its exhaustive utility in cases of
chronic jaundice. An aqueous extract of the plant Phyllanthus
niruri inhibits endogenous DNA polymerase of hepatitis B virus
and binds to the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus in vitro.
Effect of Phyllanthus niruri extracts on woodchuck hepatitis virus
surface antigen was also observed in a study of rats. However,
till date, research studies are very limited for this claim. [2, 3]
Phyllanthus niruri extracts may have benefits of liver protection.
Its protein fractions protected liver tissues against oxidative
stress by improving anti-oxidative defense in mice. It may also
benefit hepatitis B.
Researchers injected partially purified protein fraction of
Phyllanthus niruri intraperitoneally in mice either prior to
(preventive) or after the induction of liver toxicity (curative).
Researchers observed a reduction of elevated glutamate
pyruvate transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and
lipid peroxidation levels in the Phyllanthus niruri extract-treated
mice. A restoration of enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD),
catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) to almost
normal levels also occurred. [4] Researchers also noticed similar
results from another animal study in which to liver toxicity was
induced by nimesulide. [5]
Phyllanthus niruri may have lipid-lowering activities.
Phyllanthus niruri extracts demonstrate lipid-lowering activities in
triton and cholesterol fed hyperlipemic rats. [6]
Phyllanthus niruri may lower blood pressure.
Methyl brevifolincarboxylate (1) isolated from the leaves of
Phyllanthus niruri L. showed slow relaxation activity against
norepinephrine (NE)-induced contractions of rat aorta with or
without endothelium. However, the compound did not affect
contractions induced by a high concentration (60 mM) of K+,
whereas it inhibited NE-induced vasocontraction in the presence
of nicardipine. [7]
Phyllanthus niruri may help against Plasmodium falciparum and
Babesia gibsoni.
Japanese scientists extracted
1-O-galloyl-6-O-luteoyl-alpha-d-glucose from boiled aqueous
extracts of Phyllanthus niruri and this compound shows activities
against Babesia gibsoni and Plasmodium falciparum in a vitro
study. [8] Researchers from Belgium also noticed the
anti-plasmodial activities from ethonalic extracts of the plant. [9]
Phyllanthus niruri may benefit kidney stones. Phyllanthus niruri
intake interferes the growth of calcium oxalate crystals.
In 1999, Campos AH and Schor N have already noticed such
effect of aqueous Phyllanthus niruri extracts on calcium oxalate
crystal internalization. [12] A study of rats has shown that
phyllanthus niruri in the presence of a pre-formed calculus did
not prevent further calculus growth; rather, it caused an
impressive modification in its appearance and texture.
Phyllanthus niruri was able to modify the shape and texture of
calculi to a smoother and probably more fragile form, which could
contribute to elimination and/or dissolution of calculi. [14]
Freitas AM and co-workers from Universidade Federal de Sao
Paulo introduced calcium oxalate seed into the bladder of rats.
They then treated the rats with phyllanthus niruri with or without
calcium oxalate. At the end of the study, they found that
treatment with phyllanthus niruri strongly inhibited the growth of
the matrix calculus and reduced the number of stone satellites
compared to a control group. In the study, they concluded that
phyllanthus niruri has an inhibitory effect on crystal growth,
which is independent of changes in the urinary excretion of
citrate and Mg, but might be related to the higher incorporation
of glycosaminoglycans into the calculi. [11]
Nishiura JL and co-workers from Universidade Federal de Sao
Paulo evaluated the effect of phyllanthus niruri intake on 24 h
urinary biochemical parameters of 69 patients suffered from
calcium stone formation. They observed a significant reduction in
the urinary calcium in hypercalciuric patients after phyllanthus
niruri intake. [10] In a study of 150 patients, regular
self-administration of phyllanthus niruri after extracorporeal
shock wave lithotripsy for renal stones resulted in an increased
stone-free rate that appeared statistically significant for lower
caliceal location. Its efficacy and the absolute lack of side effects
made this therapy suitable to improve overall outcomes after
extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for lower pole stones. [13]
SIDE EFFECTS?
Limited studies have been done so far, side effects have not
been reported.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION,
PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2006 ZHION
References
1. Bharatiya VB. Selected Medicinal Plants of India. Bombay: Tata Press, 1992,
235-7. [2] Naik AD et al, Effects of alkaloidal extract of Phyllanthus niruri on HIV
replication. Indian J Med Sci. 2003 Sep;57(9):387-93. [3] Effects of an extract
from Phyllanthus niruri on hepatitis B and woodchuck hepatitis viruses: in vitro and
in vivo studies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1987 Jan;84(1):274-8. [4] Bhattacharjee
The protein fraction of Phyllanthus niruri plays a protective role against
acetaminophen induced hepatic disorder via its antioxidant properties. Phytother
Res.2006 Jul;20(7):595-601. [5] Chatterjee M Herbal (Phyllanthus niruri) protein
isolate protects liver from nimesulide induced oxidative stress. Pathophysiology.
<javascript:AL_get(this, 'jour', 'Pathophysiology.');> 2006 May;13(2):95-102. Epub
2006 Mar 20. {6] Khanna AK 2002 Sep;82(1):19-22. [7] Iizuka Tet al,
Vasorelaxant effects of methyl brevifolincarboxylate from the leaves of
Phyllanthus niruri. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 Jan;29(1):177-9. [8] Subeki S et al,
Anti-babesial and anti-plasmodial compounds from Phyllanthus niruri. J Nat Prod.
2005 Apr;68(4):537-9. [9] Cimanga RK et al, In vitro antiplasmodial activity of
callus culture extracts and fractions from fresh apical stems of Phyllanthus niruri L.
(Euphorbiaceae): part 2. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Dec;95(2-3):399-404. [10]
Nishiura JL et al, Phyllanthus niruri normalizes elevated urinary calcium levels in
calcium stone forming (CSF) patients. Urol Res. 2004 Oct;32(5):362-6. Epub 2004
Jun 19. [11] The effect of Phyllanthus niruri on urinary inhibitors of calcium
oxalate crystallization and other factors associated with renal stone formation. BJU
Int. 2002 Jun;89(9):829-34. [12] Campos AH Phyllanthus niruri inhibits calcium
oxalate endocytosis by renal tubular cells: its role in urolithiasis. Nephron.
<javascript:AL_get(this, 'jour', 1999;81(4):393-7. [13] Micali S et al, Can
Phyllanthus niruri Affect the Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for
Renal Stones? A Randomized, Prospective, Long-Term Study. J Urol. 2006
Sep;176(3):1020-2. [14] Barros ME et al, Effect of extract of Phyllanthus niruri on
crystal deposition in experimental urolithiasis. Urol Res. 2006 Aug 1.
Phyllanthus niruri has been found to exhibit inhibitory effect on
hepatitis B virus evident by its exhaustive utility in cases of
chronic jaundice. An aqueous extract of the plant Phyllanthus
niruri inhibits endogenous DNA polymerase of hepatitis B virus
and binds to the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus in vitro.
Effect of Phyllanthus niruri extracts on woodchuck hepatitis virus
surface antigen was also observed in a study of rats. However,
till date, research studies are very limited for this claim. [2, 3]
Phyllanthus niruri extracts may have benefits of liver protection.
Its protein fractions protected liver tissues against oxidative
stress by improving anti-oxidative defense in mice. It may also
benefit hepatitis B.
Researchers injected partially purified protein fraction of
Phyllanthus niruri intraperitoneally in mice either prior to
(preventive) or after the induction of liver toxicity (curative).
Researchers observed a reduction of elevated glutamate
pyruvate transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and
lipid peroxidation levels in the Phyllanthus niruri extract-treated
mice. A restoration of enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD),
catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) to almost
normal levels also occurred. [4] Researchers also noticed similar
results from another animal study in which to liver toxicity was
induced by nimesulide. [5]
Phyllanthus niruri may have lipid-lowering activities.
Phyllanthus niruri extracts demonstrate lipid-lowering activities in
triton and cholesterol fed hyperlipemic rats. [6]
Phyllanthus niruri may lower blood pressure.
Methyl brevifolincarboxylate (1) isolated from the leaves of
Phyllanthus niruri L. showed slow relaxation activity against
norepinephrine (NE)-induced contractions of rat aorta with or
without endothelium. However, the compound did not affect
contractions induced by a high concentration (60 mM) of K+,
whereas it inhibited NE-induced vasocontraction in the presence
of nicardipine. [7]
Phyllanthus niruri may help against Plasmodium falciparum and
Babesia gibsoni.
Japanese scientists extracted
1-O-galloyl-6-O-luteoyl-alpha-d-glucose from boiled aqueous
extracts of Phyllanthus niruri and this compound shows activities
against Babesia gibsoni and Plasmodium falciparum in a vitro
study. [8] Researchers from Belgium also noticed the
anti-plasmodial activities from ethonalic extracts of the plant. [9]
Phyllanthus niruri may benefit kidney stones. Phyllanthus niruri
intake interferes the growth of calcium oxalate crystals.
In 1999, Campos AH and Schor N have already noticed such
effect of aqueous Phyllanthus niruri extracts on calcium oxalate
crystal internalization. [12] A study of rats has shown that
phyllanthus niruri in the presence of a pre-formed calculus did
not prevent further calculus growth; rather, it caused an
impressive modification in its appearance and texture.
Phyllanthus niruri was able to modify the shape and texture of
calculi to a smoother and probably more fragile form, which could
contribute to elimination and/or dissolution of calculi. [14]
Freitas AM and co-workers from Universidade Federal de Sao
Paulo introduced calcium oxalate seed into the bladder of rats.
They then treated the rats with phyllanthus niruri with or without
calcium oxalate. At the end of the study, they found that
treatment with phyllanthus niruri strongly inhibited the growth of
the matrix calculus and reduced the number of stone satellites
compared to a control group. In the study, they concluded that
phyllanthus niruri has an inhibitory effect on crystal growth,
which is independent of changes in the urinary excretion of
citrate and Mg, but might be related to the higher incorporation
of glycosaminoglycans into the calculi. [11]
Nishiura JL and co-workers from Universidade Federal de Sao
Paulo evaluated the effect of phyllanthus niruri intake on 24 h
urinary biochemical parameters of 69 patients suffered from
calcium stone formation. They observed a significant reduction in
the urinary calcium in hypercalciuric patients after phyllanthus
niruri intake. [10] In a study of 150 patients, regular
self-administration of phyllanthus niruri after extracorporeal
shock wave lithotripsy for renal stones resulted in an increased
stone-free rate that appeared statistically significant for lower
caliceal location. Its efficacy and the absolute lack of side effects
made this therapy suitable to improve overall outcomes after
extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for lower pole stones. [13]
SIDE EFFECTS?
Limited studies have been done so far, side effects have not
been reported.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION,
PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2006 ZHION
References
1. Bharatiya VB. Selected Medicinal Plants of India. Bombay: Tata Press, 1992,
235-7. [2] Naik AD et al, Effects of alkaloidal extract of Phyllanthus niruri on HIV
replication. Indian J Med Sci. 2003 Sep;57(9):387-93. [3] Effects of an extract
from Phyllanthus niruri on hepatitis B and woodchuck hepatitis viruses: in vitro and
in vivo studies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1987 Jan;84(1):274-8. [4] Bhattacharjee
The protein fraction of Phyllanthus niruri plays a protective role against
acetaminophen induced hepatic disorder via its antioxidant properties. Phytother
Res.2006 Jul;20(7):595-601. [5] Chatterjee M Herbal (Phyllanthus niruri) protein
isolate protects liver from nimesulide induced oxidative stress. Pathophysiology.
<javascript:AL_get(this, 'jour', 'Pathophysiology.');> 2006 May;13(2):95-102. Epub
2006 Mar 20. {6] Khanna AK 2002 Sep;82(1):19-22. [7] Iizuka Tet al,
Vasorelaxant effects of methyl brevifolincarboxylate from the leaves of
Phyllanthus niruri. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 Jan;29(1):177-9. [8] Subeki S et al,
Anti-babesial and anti-plasmodial compounds from Phyllanthus niruri. J Nat Prod.
2005 Apr;68(4):537-9. [9] Cimanga RK et al, In vitro antiplasmodial activity of
callus culture extracts and fractions from fresh apical stems of Phyllanthus niruri L.
(Euphorbiaceae): part 2. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Dec;95(2-3):399-404. [10]
Nishiura JL et al, Phyllanthus niruri normalizes elevated urinary calcium levels in
calcium stone forming (CSF) patients. Urol Res. 2004 Oct;32(5):362-6. Epub 2004
Jun 19. [11] The effect of Phyllanthus niruri on urinary inhibitors of calcium
oxalate crystallization and other factors associated with renal stone formation. BJU
Int. 2002 Jun;89(9):829-34. [12] Campos AH Phyllanthus niruri inhibits calcium
oxalate endocytosis by renal tubular cells: its role in urolithiasis. Nephron.
<javascript:AL_get(this, 'jour', 1999;81(4):393-7. [13] Micali S et al, Can
Phyllanthus niruri Affect the Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for
Renal Stones? A Randomized, Prospective, Long-Term Study. J Urol. 2006
Sep;176(3):1020-2. [14] Barros ME et al, Effect of extract of Phyllanthus niruri on
crystal deposition in experimental urolithiasis. Urol Res. 2006 Aug 1.
