Abstract
Phyllanthus niruri, is a typical member of the family Euphorbiaceae, commonly known as the spurge family. It is a small annual herb found throughout both hemispheres’ tropical and subtropical regions. The genus Phyllanthus is renowned in traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties. Various species within this genus are known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, diuretic, and hepatoprotective effects. Research into these plants continues to explore their potential benefits and mechanisms of action. This review summarises the information about morphological, biological, and therapeutic properties of Phyllanthus niruri in respect of Homoeopathic information available through clinical records and provings.
Introduction
Phyllanthus niruri is commonly known as Bhuiamla. It is also known as Phyllantus amara, Nirurisannua, Nymphanthus niruri, Diasperus niruri. India has a very long, old, safe, and diverse cultural living condition associated with the use of many medicinal plants in the officially recognized systems of health. Phyllanthus, the largest genus of the family Phyllanthaceace, includes 750-1200 varieties of species each having a remarkable diversity and action.[1] This plant is indigenous to India and usually grows in the wild as a weed in June and starts bearing fruit in the middle of July or August. In India, it grows in Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and the coastal regions of India after the first showers of monsoon. It is found in the wild by the end of monsoons and can grow and survive up to midwinter under safe conditions. Phyllanthus niruri is a herb that typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm.
Phyllanthus niruri is extensively studied by the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy in India, with its properties outlined in the 2008 report titled “New Drugs Proved by CCRH.”. The mother tincture used for homeopathic proving is derived from the whole plant.[2] The entire plant, aerial parts (leaf and stem), and roots are used to treat various disorders such as bronchitis, eye ailments, gastrointestinal discomfort, diabetes, liver and kidney problems, menstrual irregularities, skin burns and cuts, respiratory disease, and vaginal discharge. It is considered as astringent, cooling agent, digestive, diuretic, laxative, tonic, and vermifuge and eliminates excess uric acid. In high doses, it is abortive and purgative. In some parts of India, the decoction of leaves and stems being dark in color is used as ink and for dyeing purposes.
Therapeutic Benefits Of Phyllanthus Niruri: A Comprehensive Review
The trial for Phyllanthus niruri occurred over a year, from 1994 to 1995, in research centers in Ghaziabad and Kolkata. The participants, 29 in total, were between the ages of 18 and 42 and consisted of 9 females. The study tested the plant’s impact in Q, 6, and 30 centesimal potencies, resulting in a detailed understanding of the plant’s possible advantages and side effects. The newly harvested root is considered a potent cure for conditions such as jaundice, dropsy, and infections of the urinary system. The fruit is employed in medicinal practices to heal tubercular ulcers, wounds, sores, scabies, ringworm, cancer, and counteract oxidative stress. [3]
Bhumi Amla supports liver health and helps reverse liver damage through its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. It aids in ulcer prevention by decreasing gastric acid production and shielding the stomach lining from damage caused by excess acid. Additionally, Bhumi Amla may lower the risk of kidney stone formation due to its diuretic effects, which promote the elimination of salts, especially oxalate crystals, that contribute to kidney stones.
Hepatoprotective Effect
The hepatoprotective role of Phyllanthus niruri is supported by its phytoconstituents, including phyllanthin, triacontanol, and hypophyllanthin. These compounds have shown notable hepatoprotective effects, largely through promoting hepatic regeneration, as demonstrated by several preclinical studies.[4] Administration of Phyllanthus niruri was associated with an increase in appetite. Typically, liver injury leads to decreased appetite, so the observed improvement in appetite might be attributed to the enhancement of liver function parameters over time with P. niruri. Among all liver diseases, Alcoholic hepatitis is the most prevalent in the world its clinical manifestations may range from hepatomegaly, jaundice, pain in the abdomen, and other serious complications. P.niruri plays an important role in reducing hepatic transaminases by halting hepatic steatosis and inflammation.[5]
Anti Urolithiasis Effect
Urolithiasis is considered to be the third most common disease of the urinary tract. calcium oxalate stones represent up to 80% of all types of stones. P.niruri is popularly known as a ‘stone breaker’ due to its popular use in urolithiasis. Alkaloids from the plants were found to show antispasmodic activity which leads to the relaxation of smooth muscle would facilitate the elimination of urinary calculi.[6] Roots of this plant are also used in stone expulsion as well as to bring calcium level to normal in hypercalciuric patients.
Antispasmodic Effect
The active component of Phyllanthus niruri is niruside has anti-spasmodic activity leading to smooth muscle relaxation. this is mainly due to several bioactive molecules such as lignan, phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin.
Antioxidant Property
Aflavon glycoside isolated from an aqueous solution of P. niruri possesses protective action against a number of toxin-induced organ pathophysiology. The protein possesses antioxidant activity and it even enhances intracellular antioxidant properties.
Symptomatology Of Phyllanthus Niruri : An Overview-[7]
Mind
This person is frequently irritable and easily affronted by small matters, experiencing both anxiety and depression, and social withdrawal. Life feels unbearable.
Head
Bursting type of pain in the forehead extending up to the teeth, worse pressure; better warm drinks. Throbbing pain in the head, worse evening, sleep, covering, mild pressure, and better by pressure, lying down with closed eyes. Throbbing pain in the head finally settles in the left-sided ear and eye.
Eye
The right eye burns on the inner corners, worsened by touching and washing the face. A reddish stye is present on the upper left eyelid, causing redness in the conjunctiva. A sensation of heat and burning is present, relieved by tightly closing the eyes.
Ear
Sharp pain in both ears, with the left ear being particularly affected. This includes pain in the left temporomandibular joint, itching, and a sensation of blockage when swallowing. The discomfort seems to travel from the left Eustachian tube to the left ear and worsens with exposure to dry, cold wind.
Nose
Coryza with headache and a runny nose, which worsens indoors but improves in the open air. The nasal discharge is thick and yellow-green, and there’s a blockage in the right nostril. Frequent, thin, watery discharge from the left nostril. Nasal obstruction is more pronounced during sleep.
Mouth
Painful, sore aphthae on both the upper and lower lips, with stinging pain that worsens with touch, eating, or consuming salty and spicy foods, but improves with sweet foods. The mouth feels dry, with a sensation as if the tongue is sticking to the palate.
Throat
Raw feeling in the throat that worsens with solid or liquid intake, and a burning pain that intensifies with cold water but improves with exposure to sunlight or wrapping neck. Throat pain is accompanied by hoarseness and a dry cough without mucus, which worsens when lying down, in the open air, or when drinking water but improves with warm drinks and empty swallowing. The uvula, pharynx, and throat are red.
Stomach
Heaviness in the stomach that improves after sleep or eating. Morning nausea that worsens when looking at food, and nausea and vomiting that are aggravated by movement but relieved by cold water. Stomach pain mainly in epigastric, improves with food or hot tea and water. Unquenchable thirst, with a strong desire to drink large amounts at once.
Abdomen
Flatulence is accompanied by loud rumbling sounds, which improves with passing gas. There is pain in the left side of the abdomen that worsens with minimal movement but improves with rest. Stitching pain in the right hypochondrium worsens with inspiration and movement but improves with rest and hot liquids.
Rectum
There is flatulence in the upper abdomen with a constant urge but no desire to pass gas. Watery, gushing stools with cramping pain in the lower abdomen, accompanied by rumbling sounds and frequent urges, which are worse before stool. Diarrhea is more severe in the morning, especially on rising from bed. Also have loose stools containing undigested particles, yellowish, pasty, scanty, mucoid semisolid stools, and painless diarrhea peaking around 5:30 a.m.
Urinary Organs
Frequent urges to urinate along with a hot sensation during urination. Diabetes mellitus associated with renal calculi (kidney stones).
Female
Watery stools with pain in the abdomen during menses and the pain improves with warm applications. Menses are early, profuse, dark, and clotted, accompanied by crampy abdominal pain. Dysmenorrhea, with stitching pain in the left ovarian region that worsens when sitting, walking, and in the evening but improves with hard pressure, lying on the abdomen, and pressing thighs against the abdomen.
Extremities
Pain in the calf muscles of legs, which worsens with standing and walking but improves with pressure and folding legs towards your abdomen. Pain in the left calf extends up to the thigh and is relieved by pressure. Pain in both hips, which worsens when lying down but improves with pressure and sitting.
Skin
Itching on the forearm without eruptions, which improves with scratching and cold bathing but worsens with perspiration. There are dark-colored eruptions in the right axilla that worsen after scratching. Hard, painful warts that are flat and worsen with pressure.
Generalities
Dull pain throughout your body, along with a weak and exhausted feeling. There is a sense of tiredness as if undergone significant exertion, and the weakness, particularly after a fever, worsens with even a few steps of walking.
Conclusion
In homeopathy, Phyllanthus niruri is used for its reputed benefits in treating conditions related to the liver, kidneys, and urinary tract. It is particularly noted for its potential to address kidney stone issues, liver disorders, and digestive disturbances. The remedy is believed to support detoxification processes and alleviate associated symptoms. While some practitioners and anecdotal evidence suggest positive outcomes, it is important to note that scientific validation of its efficacy in homeopathic treatments is limited. Further research and clinical trials are needed to substantiate its therapeutic claims and ensure its safe and effective use.
References
- Dhiman RK, Chawla YK. Herbal medicines for liver diseases. Dig Dis Sci. 2005;50:1807–12. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Homeopathic Drug Provings, Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, 61-65, Institutional Area, Opp. ‘D’ Block, Jankpuri, New Delhi, First Edition, 2005.
- Narendra K, Swathi J, Sowjanya K, Satya A. Phyllanthus niruri: A Review on its Ethno Botanical, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile. Journal of Pharmacy Research 2012;5(9):4681-4691.
- Paithankar VV, Raut KS, Charde RM, Vyas JV. Phyllanthus niruri: A magic Herb. Res Pharm. 2011;1:1–9. [Google Scholar]
- Al Zarzour RH, Ahmad M, Asmawi MZ, Kaur G, Saeed MA, Al-Mansoub MA, et al. Phyllanthus niruri standardized extract alleviates the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and decreases atherosclerotic risk in Sprague-Dawley rats. Nutrients. 2017;9:E766. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Mirian A Boim Ita P. Heilberg, Nestor Schor. Phyllanthus niruri as a promising Alternative Treatment for Nephrolithiasis. International Braz J Uro/2010;36 (6): 657-664.
- P. N. Varma, Ramachandran Valavan, Materia Medica of New Drugs, B.Jain Publishers (P) Ltd., New Delhi, 2010.
