Phyllanthus
Introduction
Phyllanthus is green plant with bright yellow flowers. The leaves and flowers have been used to ease swelling and help the body fight infections, especially in the mouth. Phyllanthus has also been used to help slow damage to cells. It has been used to improve urine flow as well. Phyllanthus can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract.
Dosages
There are no advised doses for phyllanthus
What Research Shows
May Be Effective
- Acute tonsillopharyngitis —may ease sore throat when used with nigella sativa A1
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) —may ease symptoms C1
- High cholesterol —may lower cholesterol E1
- Kidney stones —may lower recurrence of kidney stones after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy treatment F1
- Vitiligo —may increase the effectiveness of standard treatments when taken as a supplement that also contains vitamin E and carotenoids H1
May Not Be Effective
Not Enough Data to Assess
- Hangover D1
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to take phyllanthus in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take phyllanthus.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References►
A. Acute Tonsillopharyngitis
A1. Dirjomuljono M, Kristyono I, et al D. Symptomatic treatment of acute tonsillo-pharyngitis patients with a combination of Nigella sativa and Phyllanthus niruri extract. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2008 Jun;46(6):295-306.
B. Chronic Hepatitis B
B1. Xia Y, Luo H, et al. Phyllanthus species for chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Apr 13;(4):CD008960.
C. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
C1. Karkon Varnosfaderani S, Hashem-Dabaghian F, et al. Efficacy and safety of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica L.) in non-erosive reflux disease: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Integr Med. 2018;16(2):126-131.
D. Hangover
D1. George A, Udani JK, et al. Effects of Phyllanthus amarus PHYLLPRO(TM) leaves on hangover symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Pharm Biol. 2019 Dec;57(1):145-153.
E. High Cholesterol
E1. Upadya H, Prabhu S, et al. A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, multicenter clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Emblica officinalis extract in patients with dyslipidemia. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019 Jan 22;19(1):27.
F. Kidney Stones
F1. Micali S, Sighinolfi MC, et al. Can Phyllanthus niruri affect the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for renal stones? A randomized, prospective, long-term study. J Urol. 2006 Sep;176(3):1020-1022.
G. Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
G1. Wong VW, Wong GL, et al. Treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with Phyllanthus urinaria: a randomized trial. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013 Jan;28(1):57-62.
H. Vitiligo
H1. Colucci R, Dragoni F, et al. Evaluation of an oral supplement containing Phyllanthus emblica fruit extracts, vitamin E, and carotenoids in vitiligo treatment. Dermatol Ther. 2015 Jan Feb;28(1):17-21.
Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC Last Updated: 4/24/2020