BT-043 · Phyllanthaceae

Chanca piedra

Phyllanthus niruri

Evidence: LimitedCaution

A close relative is used for the liver in India’s Ayurveda; similar plants are thought to heal different organs on two continents.

Other names: Stonebreaker, quebra-pedra
Part used: Whole plant
Region: Amazon
Andes
Use: Healing

Photo: Toluaye · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

In short

What is Chanca piedra?

Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) is a plant of the Phyllanthaceae family. Traditions that use it: Amazon, Andes. Part used: whole plant.

What is Chanca piedra used for?

Traditional use: In Peru and Brazil its tea is drunk to pass kidney and gallstones. Scientific evidence: limited. Animal studies and a few small human studies suggest it may help small kidney stones pass.

Is Chanca piedra safe?

Safety label: caution. Can lower blood sugar and blood pressure; may interact with lithium and diuretics. Not for use in pregnancy.

Traditional use

Amazon

In Peru and Brazil its tea is drunk to pass kidney and gallstones. Its Spanish name means “stone breaker”.

In nature

Where it grows: Roadsides, gardens and damp ground in the tropics.
Harvest season: The whole plant is collected all year.
Local names: taş kıran; local names chanca piedra, quebra-pedra

Mix-up risk

Phyllanthus amarus and P. urinaria are very similar and usually sold mixed.

Preparation

The dried plant is steeped.

What science says

Animal studies and a few small human studies suggest it may help small kidney stones pass. Evidence is limited.

Safety

Caution

Can lower blood sugar and blood pressure; may interact with lithium and diuretics. Not for use in pregnancy.

Drug interactions

Medicine or substance	Why it matters
Diabetes medicines	Can lower blood sugar.
Blood pressure medicines	Can lower blood pressure.
Lithium and diuretics	Its diuretic effect may change lithium levels.

This list is not complete. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor before trying Chanca piedra.