What Are the Benefits of Chanca Piedra?

Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) is a plant from the Amazon rainforest that has provided naturopaths with a powerful, plant-based ally for supporting bladder, kidney, gallbladder, and liver health. Traditionally, chanca piedra is viewed as a health supplement that promotes the liver’s normal function by aiding its detoxification efforts to purge harmful substances.

Chanca Piedra, Gallstones, and Kidney Stones

Chanca Piedra has been used by the indigenous peoples of the Amazon for generations to support the elimination of gallstones and kidney stones. In Ayurvedic medicine, chanca piedra is thought to hold the most promise against kidney stone formation.^[1] Although long-term randomized clinical trials are necessary to confirm therapeutic properties, some preliminary studies suggest chanca piedra may discourage in the gallbladder and kidneys and, indeed, have potential to provide defense against kidney stones.^[2] A 2002 study found that chanca piedra stimulates bile secretion of the liver. Extra bile helps the digestion process, this benefits nutrient absorption, as well as waste elimination. In fact, we are so convinced of the benefits of chanca piedra gallbladder and kidney health that it’s part of the formulation for our kidney support product Renaltrex® and our liver cleanse supplement Livatrex®.

Chanca Piedra and the Liver

Traditional Chinese medicine has always cited chanca piedra as a herb that supports liver health.^[3] The Department of Chemistry at Bose Institute in India conducted an animal study that investigated the liver protecting action of chanca piedra against acetaminophen toxicity. The results showed that a protein in chanca piedra protects liver tissues against oxidative stress, probably by increasing antioxidant defenses.^[4] Study results from the Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research suggest compounds in chanca piedra may be a valuable component to a multi-herb, liver-support formulation.^[5]

Antioxidant Activity of Chanca Piedra

Chanca piedra has been evaluated for antioxidant activity and its response to high blood pressure and high blood sugar. The high phenolic content of chanca piedra has shown antioxidant activity, which has been found to support balanced blood sugar and normal blood pressure.^[6, 7, 8] This has created excitement about the potential of chanca piedra during times of distress. In one study researchers noted that chanca piedra engages an enhanced antioxidant defense system.^[9]

Action Against Harmful Organisms

Water extracts of chanca piedra are selectively toxic to some types of harmful organisms, without affecting beneficial organisms.^[10] The Universidad de la República studied 28 plant and algae species for activity against harmful organisms. Researchers noted that the most interesting activity was observed in chanca piedra.^[11] This observation and conclusion was duplicated by researchers at the University of Malaysia.^[12]

References (12)

1. Kieley S, Dwivedi R, Monga M. Ayurvedic medicine and renal calculi. J Endourol. 2008 Aug;22(8):1613-6. doi: 10.1089/end.2008.0020.


2. Boim MA, Heilberg IP, Schor N. Phyllanthus niruri as a promising alternative treatment for nephrolithiasis. Int Braz J Urol. 2010 Nov-Dec;36(6):657-64; discussion 664. Review.


3. Wang BE. Treatment of chronic liver diseases with traditional Chinese medicine. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2000 May;15 Suppl:E67-70.


4. Bhattacharjee R, Sil PC. The protein fraction of Phyllanthus niruri plays a protective role against acetaminophen induced hepatic disorder via its antioxidant properties. Phytother Res. 2006 Jul;20(7):595-601.


5. Tatiya AU, Surana SJ, Sutar MP, Gamit NH. Hepatoprotective effect of poly herbal formulation against various hepatotoxic agents in rats. Pharmacognosy Res. 2012 Jan;4(1):50-6. doi: 10.4103/0974-8490.91040.


6. Ranilla LG, Kwon YI, Apostolidis E, Shetty K. Phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and in vitro inhibitory potential against key enzymes relevant for hyperglycemia and hypertension of commonly used medicinal plants, herbs and spices in Latin America. Bioresour Technol. 2010 Jun;101(12):4676-89. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2010.01.093. Epub 2010 Feb 25.


7. Srividya N, Periwal S. Diuretic, hypotensive and hypoglycaemic effect of Phyllanthus amarus. Indian J Exp Biol. 1995 Nov;33(11):861-4.


8. Okoli CO, Obidike IC, Ezike AC, Akah PA, Salawu OA. Studies on the possible mechanisms of antidiabetic activity of extract of aerial parts of Phyllanthus niruri. Pharm Biol. 2011 Mar;49(3):248-55. doi: 10.3109/13880209.2010.501456.


9. Sharma P, Parmar J, Verma P, Goyal PK. Modulatory influence of Phyllanthus niruri on oxidative stress, antioxidant defense and chemically induced skin tumors. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2011;30(1):43-53.


10. Ranilla LG, Apostolidis E, Shetty K. Antimicrobial activity of an Amazon medicinal plant (Chancapiedra) (Phyllanthus niruri L.) against Helicobacter pylori and lactic acid bacteria. Phytother Res. 2012 Jun;26(6):791-9. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3646. Epub 2011 Oct 28.


11. Faral-Tello P, Mirazo S, Dutra C, Pérez A, Geis-Asteggiante L, Frabasile S, Koncke E, Davyt D, Cavallaro L, Heinzen H, Arbiza J. Cytotoxic, virucidal, and antiviral activity of South American plant and algae extracts. ScientificWorldJournal. 2012;2012:174837. doi: 10.1100/2012/174837. Epub 2012 Apr 24.


12. Amin ZA, Abdulla MA, Ali HM, Alshawsh MA, Qadir SW. Assessment of in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and immune activation potentials of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Phyllanthus niruri. J Sci Food Agric. 2012 Jul;92(9):1874-7. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.5554. Epub 2012 Jan 9.

5 Old-Fashioned Herbal Remedies For Kidney Stones

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If you have ever had a kidney stone, then you know how painful it can be to pass them. Kidney stones are made up of hard, crystallized deposits of uric acid, calcium and amino acid cysteine.

If you are fortunate, then you can pass several kidney stones at one time and not even be aware of it when they are the size of a grain of sand. But often, they are larger.

Prevention is far better than any “cure” when it comes to kidney stones, at least in my book. If you have suffered from them in the past, then your chance of having another one is much more likely in the future.

Ever wonder what our ancestors did to get rid of kidney stones? They used natural diuretics that would help the stone pass as quickly as possible.

In this article, we will discuss five old-fashioned herbs that our ancestors used to both prevent and pass kidney stones.

1. Dandelion

Dandelion root has been used as a diuretic for thousands of years. Increased urination is one of the best ways to make a stone pass quickly. Dandelion root also has been shown to help clean out the urinary tract, and it has a mild analgesic effect. Dandelion root is best consumed as a tea, but you can also take 500 mgs twice each day if you have supplements.

2. Plantain

Plantain can be consumed on a regular basis to help prevent stones from forming. In fact, many people with a history of stones drink plantain juice each day to help prevent stones from forming. This plant is also a natural diuretic, which can be effective in removing stones.

3. Horsetail

You might think of horsetail as a pretty border plant for your garden, but did you know that it also can be used as a medicinal herb?

Make Powerful Herbal Medicines, Right in Your Kitchen!

Horsetail is a natural diuretic, which is great for helping stones to pass, but it also can reduce the amount of bleeding and pain while passing the stone. This herb is best consumed as a tea. Drink three cups or more each day until the stone passes.

4. Chanca piedra

This herb comes to us via Brazil. Its name means “stone breaker,” which probably gives you a clue as to what it has been used for traditionally. It was shown in one study to help normalize calcium levels in subjects who suffered from recurring stones, and in another, those consuming this herb for six months had a much lower rate of forming new stones than those who took a placebo. This herb is generally consumed as a supplement, but it can also be consumed in tea form. Take as directed.

5. Rosemary

This fragrant herb is not only good as a culinary spice, but it’s one of the most popular treatments for kidney stones. Rosemary, when consumed on a regular basis, helps to increase urination, which can prevent the formation of stones. Rosemary also prevents the enzyme urese from taking effect, which helps stop stones from forming. Consuming a cup of rosemary tea each day can help prevent kidney stones from forming in the future.

Do you know of other all-natural remedies for kidney stones? Share your tips in the section below: