Common names: Bahupatra, Bhuiamla
Botanical name: Phyllanthus niruri
© Martin Wall
Parts used and where grown
Phyllanthus is an herb found in central and southern India. It can grow from 30–60
centimeters in height and blooms with many yellow flowers. Phyllanthus species are also found
in other countries, including China (e.g., Phyllanthus urinaria), the Philippines,
Cuba, Nigeria, and Guam.1 All parts of the plant are used medicinally.
Phyllanthus has been used
in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Historical or traditional use (may
or 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.2
Active constituents
Phyllanthus primarily contains lignans (e.g., phyllanthine and hypophyllanthine),
alkaloids, and flavonoids (e.g., quercetin).
Phyllanthus blocks DNA polymerase, the enzyme needed for the hepatitis B virus to reproduce. In one study, 59% of
those infected with chronic viral hepatitis B lost one of the major blood markers of HBV
infection (e.g., hepatitis B surface antigen) after using 900 mg of phyllanthus per day for 30
days.3 While clinical trials on the effectiveness of phyllanthus for HBV have been
mixed, the species P. urinaria and P. niruri seem to work better than P.
amarus.4 Clinical trials with hepatitis B patients have used 900–2,700
mg of phyllanthus per day.
How much is usually taken?
Research has used the powdered form of phyllanthus ranging from 900–2,700 mg per day
for three months.5
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No side effects have been reported using phyllanthus as recommended in the amounts
above.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with phyllanthus.
References:1. Bharatiya VB. Selected Medicinal Plants of India. Bombay:
Tata Press, 1992, 235–7.
2. Nadkarmi KM. India Materia Medica, vol 1. Bombay: Popular
Prakashan Private Ltd., 1993, 947–8.
3. Thyagarajan SP, Subramanian S, Thirunalasundar T, et al. Effect of
Phyllanthus amarus on chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus. Lancet
1988:2:1017–8.
4. Meixa W, Haowei C, Yanjun L, et al. Herbs of the genus
Phyllanthus in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B: observation with three preparations
from different geographic sites. J Lab Clin Med 1995;126:350–2.
5. Reichert R. Phytotherapeutic alternatives for chronic hepatitis.
Quart Rev Natural Med 1997;Summer:103–8.