Phyllanthus primarily contains lignans (e.g., phyllanthine and
hypophyllanthine), alkaloids, and bioflavonoids (e.g., quercetin).
While it remains unknown as to which of these ingredients has an
anti-viral effect, research shows that this herb acts primarily
on the liver. This action in the liver confirms its historical use
as a remedy for jaundice.
History
Phyllanthus has been used in Ayurvedic
medicine for over 2,000 years and has a wide number of traditional
uses. This includes employing the whole plant for jaundice, gonorrhea,
frequent menstruation, and diabetes and using it topically 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.
Remedies
For
Actions
Bitter, astringent, de-obstruent, stomachic
The plant is considered deobstruent, diuretic, astringent and cooling.
Uses
Hepatitis
Phyllanthus blocks DNA polymerase, the enzyme needed for the hepatitis
B virus to reproduce. Fifty-nine percent 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 phyllanthus
for thirty days. While clinical studies on the outcome of phyllanthus
and HBV have been mixed, the species P. urinaria and P. niruri seem
to work far better than P. amarus.
Jaundice: Use the decoction of the plant.
Whole plant is useful for the treatment of some forms of dropsy,
gonorrhea, menorrhagia and other genito- urinary affections of a
similar type.
A poultice of the leaves mixed with salt cures itch and other skin
affections.
The other applications of the herb include treatments for: diabetes,
dyspepsia, ulcers, sores, swellings, ophthalmia, and chronic dysentery.
Description
This herb, used in ayurveda, is a perennial herb found in Central
and Southern India, to Sri Lanka. It can grow to 12-24 inches in
height and blooms with many yellow flowers. All parts of the plant
are employed therapeutically. Phyllanthus species are also found
in other countries, including China (e.g., Phyllanthus urinaria),
the Philippines, Cuba, Nigeria, and Guam.
Dosage
Infusion, juice, poultice, powder, pill
Research has utilized the powdered form of phyllanthus in amounts
ranging from 900–2,700 mg per day for three months.
Safety
No side effects have been reported when using phyllanthus as recommended.
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