COMMON NAMES:
Stonebreaker, Quebra Pedra, Seed-Under-Leaf, dukong anak and bhuiaonla

LATIN NAME:
Phyllanthus niruri

HISTORY:
The name chanca piedra comes from the Spanish words, "stone breaker." The plant was given this nomenclature due to its medicinal effects of breaking up kidney stones and gallstones in the human body. It has been widely used in South America to treat a variety of other diseases and imbalances, and is a highly-revered Amazonian rainforest herb.

HERBAL PROPERTIES AND USES:
Scientific studies show that this herb is an antispasmodic, an antiviral, a bactericidal, a antihepatotoxic and a febrifugal. Medicinally, it is used in traditional cultures, such as that of Peru and the Amazonian rainforest, to break up and remove kidney and gall stones. It also helps regulate bile production, keeping the liver and gallbladder in optimal condition. Normally, the plant is cut up, boiled and used as a liver tonic. Its applications have also reached into the realms of treating malaria, fever, the common flu and colds, as well as stomach problems, constipation and acne. Recent studies have also shown extraordinary capacities for the herb in regard to the treatment and prevention of urolithiasis, as well as cancer, HIV, arthritis, hepatitis and diabetes.

Chanca Piedra Cultivation and Growing Methods

ANNUAL/PERRENIAL PLANT:
Annual

PARTS USED:
The entire plant, including seeds, flowers, leaves and fruits.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:
Rich, dark, moist soil.

SUN REQUIREMENTS:
Does well in full sun, as well as partial and light shade.

GROWING ZONES:
A tropical plant found in coastal areas, it grows best in rainforest and tropical environments. Normally found in the Amazon Basin, India and China. It can grow any many temperate, moderately tropical environments, and in Zones 5-11 in the United States.

PLANTING TIME:
Sow directly outdoors in late spring to summer.

POLLINATION:
Seeds pollinated through bees, birds, wind, etc.

HARVESTING:
To capture ripening seeds, clip the seed-heads. Let the pods dry out on the plant, and then break them open to collect the seeds. Allow the fruit to ripen on the plant and then remove.

DRYING METHODS / YIELD:
Properly cleaned of the shaft, seeds can be dried in the sun and stored in an airtight container.

PRESERVATION / PACKAGING METHODS:
Fruits are boiled for the extract, which is stored in alcohol and glass bottles.

ESSENTIAL OIL USE:
Used mainly in extract form.

PLANT CHEMICALS:
The principle chemicals in chanca piedra are "alkaloids, astragalin, brevifolin, carboxylic acids, corilagin, cymene, ellagic acid, ellagitannins, gallocatechins, geraniin, hypophyllanthin, lignans, lintetralins, lupeols, methyl salicylate, niranthin, nirtetralin, niruretin, nirurin, nirurine, niruriside, norsecurinines, phyllanthin, phyllanthine, phyllanthenol, phyllochrysine, phyltetralin, repandusinic acids, quercetin, quercetol, quercitrin, rutin, saponins, triacontanal, and tricontanol."

IS THIS AN EDIBLE PLANT:
Yes, but in high doses can be toxic.

CAUTIONS / CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Avoid taking this herb if you suffer from a heart condition and/or taking prescription heart medications. It is also an abortive and a menstrual promoter, so is contraindicated during pregnancy, as well as in women seeking to become pregnant. It also has hypoglycemic effects, and should be avoided in those with hypoglycemia.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Should be avoided if you are taking anti-diabetic drugs, as well as antihypertensives, beta-blockers, as well as any other heart medications.

Clinical Research About Chanca Piedra

• 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: 10.1007/978-1-60327-287-2_14).
• Naik AD, Juvekar AR (September 2003). Indian Journal of Medical Sciences 57 (9): 387–93. [PMID 14515028]
• Nishiura JL, Campos AH, Boim MA, Heilberg IP, Schor N (October 2004). "Phyllanthus niruri normalizes elevated urinary calcium levels in calcium stone forming (CSF) patients". Urological Research 32 (5): 362–6. [PMID: 15221244]

 

References

1. http://www.herballegacy.com/Thomas_Medicinal.html
2. http://www.rain-tree.com/chanca.htm