Botanical Name : Phyllanthus niruri
Family : Phyllanthaceae
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/151
Introduction :
Bhumi amlaki, commonly called as “gale of the wind” is a medicine of choice in various diseases not only in the practice of Ayurveda but also broadly used in other systems of medicines like Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. This herb merely not treats diseases but also restores the functions of the organs thus, revives life. But the potential and the main action of this herb is defined on the Liver by our ancient Scholars of Ayurveda.
Names in different Indian languages :
English : Stone breaker
Hindi : Bhui aumvala
Kannada : Nela Nelli
Malayalam : Keezhar Nelli
Sanskrit : Bhumyamalaki
Tamil : Keelanelli or Keezha nelli
Telugu : Nela Usiri
Synonyms :
भूम्यामलकिका प्रोक्ता शिवा तामलकीति च । बहुपत्रा बहुपत्रा बहुफला बहुवीर्याऽजटाऽपि च ॥२७७॥Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga
Tamalaki, jata, vira, uccata
Classification according to Charaka, Susrutha & Vagbhata :
Charaka : Svãsahara, kasahara
Morphology :
It grows 50–70 cm (20–28 in) tall and bears ascending herbaceous branches. The bark is smooth and light green. It bears numerous pale green flowers which are often flushed with red. The fruits are tiny, smooth capsules containing seeds.
Distribution & Habitat :
Widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of India. Found growing in moist, shady places, especially during the monsoon. Also found in Sri Lanka, China, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
Varieties:
Phyllanthus amarus
Phyllanthus fraternus
Phyllanthus urinaria (may differ in region-specific classifications)
Chemical constituents :
Lignans, flavonoids, triterpenes, sterols, alkaloids, and essential oils are found in this plant
Properties :
RASA- Madhura, tikta, kashaya
GUNA- Laghu, Ruksa
VIRYA- sita
VIPAKA- madhura
Karma : pitta kapha hara
Mutrala, rucya
Indication :
Amlapitta , kasa, rajayaksma, kusta, pandu,prameha, trsna,raktapitta,kamala
Analgesic, antibacterial, antihepatotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antilithic, antimalarial, antimutagenic, antinociceptive, antispasmodic, antiviral, aperitif, carminative, choleretic, deobstruent, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, hepatotonic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, laxative, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge.
Part used :
Whole plant (Panchanga)
Dosage :
Swarasa (Juice): 10–20 ml
Churna (Powder): 3–6 g
Kwatha (Decoction): 30–50 ml
External uses :
A poultice of the leaves, combined with salt, is used to treat scabby affection, used without salt it is applied on bruises and wounds
Internal uses :
The root is diuretic and It is used to remove bladder stones, and is a remedy for jaundice
An infusion of the tender fresh roots is valuable in the treatment of chronic dysentery
An infusion of the leaves is used as a treatment for dysentery
The herb is stomachic and useful in the treatment of sores and chronic dysentery
An infusion of the root and leaves is a good tonic and diuretic when taken cold in repeated doses
The milky juice is a good application to treat offensive sores
Yoga / Formulations:
Bhumyamalaki Churna
Phyllanthus Niruri Capsule
Yakritplihari Loha
Liv 52 (Classical/Proprietary)
Bhunimbadi Kadha
IUCN Status:
Least Concern (LC)
Research Updates:
- Phyllanthus niruri in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease – Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Demonstrated hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects in NAFLD models. - Antiviral Activity Against Hepatitis B Virus – Frontiers in Pharmacology
Significant suppression of HBV replication by lignans isolated from P. niruri.
