Quebra pedra (scientific name: Phyllanthus niruri ) is a plant that belongs to the same genus Phyllanthus as amla ( Pyllanthus emblica ), but rather than being a tall tree, it is a small shrub to herbaceous plant that grows to a maximum height of about 60 cm. A closely related species is Phyllanthus fraternus ( Pyllanthus amarus ), which grows widely as a winter weed in the hot regions of India and is sometimes cultivated in areas up to about 1,000 m above sea level. It is distributed throughout the world, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, as well as in Asia, South America, and Africa.
In traditional Asian medicine, Kebla pedra has long been used as an important medicinal plant for the liver and digestive system , and has a history of use in treating a wide range of gastrointestinal problems, including jaundice, hepatitis, indigestion, abdominal pain (colic), diarrhea, and dysentery.
In terms of components, various physiologically active ingredients have been identified, such as lignans (phyllanthine, hypophyllanthine) , flavonoids , alkaloids , and tannins (geranine) .Based on these ingredients, basic research and some clinical studies have suggested that it may have antiviral effects (especially against hepatitis B virus) , liver protection , anti-inflammatory effects , antioxidant effects , antibacterial effects, gastrointestinal function regulating effects , and kidney stone formation suppression and stone expulsion support effects .
Characteristics of Kebra Pedra
- Scientific name: Phyllanthus niruri
- Classification: Euphorbiaceae (Phyllanthaceae) Genus: Phyllanthus
- Other names: Quebra Pedra (Chanca Piedra), stonebreaker, Phyllanthus (related species)
- Appearance: A small shrub or herbaceous plant about 30-60cm tall with thin stems and many small leaves.
- Distribution: Tropical and subtropical regions (Asia, South America, Africa, etc.)
- Related species: Phyllanthus fraternus, Phyllanthus amarus, etc.
- Part used: Whole plant
Expected effects
- Liver function support: It has been suggested that it may contribute to protecting liver cells and maintaining liver enzyme balance.
- Antiviral effect: Basic research and some clinical studies have reported that it has an antiproliferative effect, particularly against hepatitis B virus.
- Jaundice and hepatitis support: Along with its traditional uses, it has been suggested that it may contribute to maintaining the condition of the liver and bile duct system.
- Regulating digestive function: It has been suggested that it may contribute to the relief of gastrointestinal problems such as indigestion, colic, diarrhea, and dysentery.
- Inhibition of kidney stone formation and stone expulsion support: It has been suggested that this drug may contribute to the inhibition of urinary stone formation and the promotion of stone expulsion.
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: It has been suggested that it may contribute to reducing inflammatory responses and oxidative stress.
- Antibacterial effect: It has been reported to have growth inhibitory activity against some microorganisms.
- Gastrointestinal protection: It has been suggested that it may contribute to protecting the gastrointestinal mucosa and maintaining its barrier function.
