What is Chanca Piedra?

Chanca piedra, known scientifically as Phyllanthus niruri, is a remarkable herb thriving in tropical regions, particularly within the lush rainforests of South America. This plant is commonly referred to by various names, including:

• stone breaker
• gale-of-the-wind
• seed-under-leaf (beej ke neeche patta)
• quebra pedra
• shatter stone
• chance pierre

Characterized by slender, leaf-clad branches, Chanca piedra can reach heights of approximately 2 feet (61 cm). The name “seed-under-leaf” aptly describes its seed pods, which develop into delicate green flowers nestled underneath the foliage. All parts of the plant — leaves, stems, and flowers — are harvested to produce Chanca piedra supplements. These supplements are believed to aid in various health issues concerning the digestive system, liver, and kidneys.

Proponents claim that this herb contains beneficial phytochemicals — natural plant compounds — that may enhance urine flow, eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses, and alleviate inflammation. Nevertheless, scientific evidence supporting these claims remains limited. Chanca piedra is conveniently available in various forms such as teas, liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets, making it accessible for those interested in exploring its potential health benefits.

Advantages and Applications

Chanca piedra, often referred to as the "stone breaker," is suggested to offer numerous potential benefits across various bodily systems, although scientific research backing these claims remains limited.

Kidney Stones

Renowned primarily for its possible effectiveness against kidney stones, chanca piedra is known for its alkaline properties, which may help in preventing the formation of acidic kidney stones. This herbal remedy serves as a more affordable, over-the-counter alternative to potassium citrate, a common alkalizing agent prescribed to manage acidic kidney stones. Additionally, it may promote increased urination.

A study involving 56 participants with kidney stones showed that those who consumed a cup of hot water infused with 4.5 grams of chanca piedra twice daily experienced a reduction in both the size and number of their kidney stones, with about two-thirds of the subjects benefiting. Other small-scale human studies have also reported positive effects of chanca piedra on kidney stones.

Stomach Ulcers

In laboratory conditions, chanca piedra extract has demonstrated the ability to eliminate the Helicobacter pylori bacterium linked to stomach ulcers. However, the efficacy of oral supplements in treating ulcers in humans remains uncertain. These test-tube studies often utilize highly concentrated extracts directly on bacterial cells, which differs significantly from how oral supplements function.

High Blood Sugar Levels

Animal studies suggest that the antioxidant properties of chanca piedra might help improve fasting blood sugar levels, thereby aiding in blood sugar management. However, it is important to emphasize that these findings may not directly correlate with similar outcomes in humans. Further research is warranted to better understand the impact of chanca piedra on human blood sugar levels.

Gallstones

Similar to its potential role in managing kidney stones, the alkalizing effects of chanca piedra may also contribute to gallstone prevention. In various traditional medicine practices, it is utilized as a treatment for gallstones. Nonetheless, there is currently no scientific validation for the use of chanca piedra specifically targeting gallstones.

Gout

Gout attacks may arise due to elevated uric acid levels in the bloodstream. Chanca piedra is believed to help regulate these levels, potentially preventing gout flare-ups. Some animal research has indicated a reduction in uric acid levels among those receiving chanca piedra supplements.

Liver Health

Thanks to its antioxidant content, chanca piedra may enhance liver function and safeguard against cellular damage from free radicals—unstable compounds that can accumulate and cause harm. The herb has also shown promise in treating hepatitis B, an inflammatory viral liver infection, at least within animal and laboratory studies. Given that several other herbs in the Phyllanthus genus exhibit strong antiviral properties against hepatitis B—potentially matching the effectiveness of interferon—researchers surmise that chanca piedra might offer similar benefits. However, most existing studies have been conducted on animals or in vitro; hence, more human-based research is essential to evaluate the impacts of chanca piedra on liver health.

High Blood Pressure

Some animal studies have suggested that chanca piedra may aid in relaxing blood vessels, which could contribute to lower blood pressure levels. Conversely, a human study indicated a minor, yet not clinically significant, rise in blood pressure in participants over a 12-week period while taking chanca piedra. Interestingly, these individuals experienced a notable reduction in blood pressure in the 12 weeks following the cessation of the herb.

It is crucial to recognize that much of the current research surrounding chanca piedra has been conducted on animals or in laboratory settings, utilizing highly concentrated extracts. While there is some evidence supporting the use of chanca piedra for kidney stones in humans, larger, more rigorous studies are necessary to conclusively determine its benefits.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

In a human study focused on chanca piedra supplementation, several side effects were reported, including:

• abdominal discomfort
• pain during urination
• hematuria (blood in urine)
• nausea or queasiness

Among these, abdominal discomfort was the most frequently noted, while the other symptoms occurred much less often. It’s important to note that chanca piedra may influence blood sugar and blood pressure levels; therefore, caution is advised if you are currently taking medications that lower these parameters. Bear in mind that dietary supplements typically lack regulation from government bodies, leading to minimal oversight regarding the accuracy of the product labeling.

Dosage and Usage Guidelines

In a notable human study demonstrating positive effects on kidney stones, participants were administered a daily dosage of 4.5 grams of chanca piedra (also known as Phyllanthus niruri in India), infused in a cup of hot water, taken twice daily over a span of 12 weeks. When it comes to chanca piedra in pill or capsule form, the typical dosage ranges from 500 to 1,600 mg of the herb per serving; liquid extracts offer a similar concentration. Determining the exact amount of the herb present in tea can be quite challenging, as this varies based on the water temperature and the steeping duration. Chanca piedra can be consumed either with meals or on an empty stomach, providing flexibility in its intake. As there is currently no extensive research on the long-term effects of chanca piedra, it is advisable to limit its supplementation duration to 12 weeks or less, which aligns with the timeframe studied in humans.

Discontinuation and Withdrawal

Research surrounding chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) indicates that there are generally no significant risks associated with abruptly halting the use of this supplement. Furthermore, no withdrawal symptoms have been documented in the available studies. Nevertheless, due to the limited scope of existing research, it's plausible that some potential complications may not have been thoroughly investigated yet. If you encounter any difficulties when discontinuing chanca piedra, it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Potential Overdose Concerns

Currently, there is limited research that indicates the potential for an overdose of chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) to occur. However, it is prudent to adhere strictly to the recommended daily dosage provided on the supplement label. This caution is warranted as there may be safety issues associated with elevated doses of chanca piedra that have yet to be thoroughly investigated.

Interactions

Chanca piedra, also known as Phyllanthus niruri, has the potential to interact with various medications, and it's essential to be aware of these interactions:

• Lithium: This herb may increase urination, potentially affecting the elimination of lithium from your body.
• Antihypertensive medications: Chanca piedra could lead to a reduction in blood pressure, which might result in hypotension, particularly in individuals already using blood pressure medication.
• Antidiabetic drugs: This herb may lower blood sugar levels. For those already taking insulin or other hypoglycemic agents, this could result in dangerously low blood sugar, a condition known as hypoglycemia.
• Anticoagulants: Chanca piedra might inhibit blood clotting, posing significant health risks for individuals on blood thinning medications.

Storage and Handling

Regardless of the form—be it tea, extract, or capsules—Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) supplements should be stored in a cool, dry environment. It’s crucial to protect them from excessive moisture and fluctuations in temperature to maintain their effectiveness. Typically, these supplements come with an expiration date approximately two years post-manufacture. To guarantee their potency and safety, it is advisable to consume your Chanca piedra supplements before this date.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Currently, there is insufficient evidence regarding the safety of chanca piedra during the stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Thus, it is advisable to steer clear of its use if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or nursing your child. Additionally, it is crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about the implications of chanca piedra on pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Use in Specific Populations

Due to the limited knowledge surrounding chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri), it is advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare provider before administering this supplement to children or teenagers. Moreover, individuals diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should approach this supplement with caution, as it has the potential to lower blood sugar levels significantly. For those already on insulin or other hypoglycemic medications, this could pose a risk of hypoglycemia. Additionally, since chanca piedra may influence kidney function, it is essential for individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) or any other renal issues to consult with a healthcare professional prior to incorporating this supplement into their regimen.