The common name of this plant says it all, Quebra Pedra or Chanca Piedra, meaning “Stone Breaker” (Phyllanthus niruri).
Found in widespread coastal tropical areas and considered a problem weed by farmers, this plant is considered useful by herbalists of several traditions.
In Ayurvedic medicine it is used for the genitourinary system, liver, kidney, spleen and stomach. Traditional medicine uses for this plant and wide and pharmacological activities include antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiplasmodial, diuretic, and hepatoprotective. Scientists have taken note, and investigations into its potential clinical uses continue.
True to its common name, one of its most famous uses is for dissolving or preventing kidney stone formation. Quebra Pedra has been shown to possibly interfere with many stages of stone formation, without the finding of adverse renal, cardiovascular, neurological or toxic effects.
Several activities are under investigation as possible mechanisms of action for Quebra Pedra. Quebra Pedra may produce its benefits through ureteral relaxation, which helps to eliminate calculi. It has also been found to be diuretic, and may interfere with formation of kidney stones. It may inhibit formation through endocytosis of calcium oxalate or perhaps also by reducing the excretion of calcium or other urinary crystallization promoters.
Despite significant efforts by the pharmaceutical world to find good treatments for urolithiasis, no great options exist. Herbal medicine may point the way with this herb and provide reason for longer-term studies into its use.
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Photo by Vin By Deepugn
*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.