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Stone Breaker scientifically known as Phyllanthus niruri with many common names including Stonebreaker, Phyllanthus Plant, Child Pick-a-back, Gulf Leafflower, Black Catnip, Meniran, Chanca Piedra, Shatterstone, Quebra Pedra, Gale Of Wind, Carry Me Seed, Creole Senna and Daun Marisan is a widespread tropical plant commonly found in coastal areas of China, India, and South/Central America. It is a relative of the spurges, belonging to the Phyllanthus genus of the Family Phyllanthaceae. It has been a traditional mainstay in Ayurvedic medicine for more than two millennia, where it is used for ailments ranging from hiccups to leprosy. It is also a noticeable herb in the Unani system of medicine, which applies it to wounds and sores and uses it for symptoms like jaundice. It gets its common name, stone breaker as well as the Spanish and Portuguese equivalents from its use in treating kidney stones.
Plant Description
Stonebreaker is an erect, slender, branched, annual herb that grows about 12 – 24 inches (30 – 60 cm) in height. The plant is found growing in degraded moist deciduous, forest plantations, plains, dry fields, roadsides, wastelands, forest margin and scrubby woods. The plant consists of taproot that is slender, wiry and is provided with fine secondary roots. The plant has a cylindrical and hairless stem, on that continues, at the level of the leaves insertion, triangular stipules, acuminates and often coordinated in the base. It exudes translucent latex when it is cut.
Leaves
Leaves are simple, alternate, hairless and sub-sessiles, pale green above, with pinnated venation little visible. At the base of the petiole 2 stipulate threadlike reduced, of unequal length and fast blacks. The lamina is elliptic to elongated, long from 8 to 12mm and wide from 3 to 5mm, with round or blunt summit, sometimes briefly apiculated, the base rounded and in entire margin. Two faces are hairless.
Flower
Solitary minute flowers are unisexual. Female flowers axillaries in the base of twigs, the male flowers regrouped by 2 – 4 in the axils of leaves in the top of twigs. Female flowers in peduncle 2 mm long, with 5 sepals. Disc is flattened, small, with 5 lobes. Ovary is spherical surmounted of a short trifid style. Male flowers in hail peduncle, 0,5 mm long, with 5 elliptic sepals and 3 welded stamens.
Fruit
Fruit is a capsule dehiscent in 3 cells with 2 seeds each. The capsule is globose, depressed, and smooth, 2mm in diameter, that appears to the face lower of twigs. Seeds are wedge-shaped, one concave and two flat sides, beige, 1mm in height.
Although considered a problematic weed for farmers it is a valuable medicinal for herbalists (Oudhia and Tripathi 2002) and holds a reputed position in both Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine. Recently it has attracted the attention of researchers, because of its hepato-protective properties. No effective specific therapy is available for viral epatitis but Stone Breaker has shown clinical efficacy in viral Hepatitis B. Its root, leaves, fruits, milky juice, and whole plants are used as medicine.
According to Unani system of medicine herb is stomachic and good for sores and useful in chronic dysentery. Fruits useful for tubercular ulcers, wounds, sores, scabies and ringworm. The fresh root is believed to be an excellent remedy for jaundice. A poultice of the leaves with salt cures scabby affection and without salt applied on bruise and wounds. The milky juice is a good application to offensive sores. The infusion of the root and leaves is a good tonic and diuretic when taken cold in repeated doses. In many parts of India, it is commonly used for the treatment of snake bite. The plant is used as a fish poison. In many parts of India especially in deserts, the roots mixed with Commiphora mukul are given to camels to cure indigestion. The decoction of leaves and stem are used for dyeing cotton black.
Health benefits of Stone breaker
Stone breaker has a long history in traditional herbal medicine in every tropical country it is found in. For hundreds of years Stone Breaker has been used as an herbal remedy to kidney stones, viral infections, liver disorders, bacterial infections, and many other ailments. In more recent years, however, Stone Breaker has been shown in modern medicine to cure or treat multiple disorders. Listed below are few of the health benefits of using Stone Breaker herb:
1. Help Eliminate Gallstones and Kidney Stones
Stone Breaker also known as Bhumi Amla has been used by the indigenous peoples of the Amazon for generations to support the elimination of gallstones and kidney stones. In Ayurvedic medicine, Stone Breaker is thought to hold the most promise against kidney stone formation. Although long-term randomized clinical trials are essential to confirm therapeutic properties, some preliminary studies suggest Stone Breaker may discourage in the gallbladder and kidneys and, indeed, have potential to provide defense against kidney stones.
According to research conducted by International Brazilian Journal of Urology suggest the preventive effect of Stone Breaker herb in stone formation or elimination. The plant Stone Breaker (Phyllanthus niruri) contains potential agent to prevent and/or to treat Urolithiasis. The review is based on data from the literature and on the results obtained by our group from either in vivo/in vitro experiments or clinical studies. Stone Breaker has been shown to interfere with many stages of stone formation, reducing crystals aggregation, modifying their structure and composition as well as altering the interaction of the crystals with tubular cells leading to reduced subsequent endocytosis. Other beneficial effects of Stone Breaker may be related to ureteral relaxation, helping to eliminate calculi or to clear fragments following lithotripsy, or also to a putative reduction of the excretion of urinary crystallization promoters such as calcium. No side effects of renal, cardiovascular, neurological or toxic effects have been detected during these studies. (1)
2. Antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal
Stone Breaker (Chanca piedra) is also known for its traditional use against parasites, bacterial, viral and fungal infection. This Stone Breaker use was also supported by a few medical publications. Research found this herb is beneficial in treating chickenpox, vaginal yeast infections and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Another study that tested Stone Breaker antibacterial activity, found it to be effective against H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) bacteria, without affecting beneficial lactic acid bacteria. The significance of this finding is that unlike antibiotics that kill both good and bad bacteria, this herb was able to selectively fight H. pylori without killing the good bacteria.
Store Breaker also showed significant antibacterial activity against the pathogenic bacteria Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia as well as antifungal activity against candida albicans. (1), (2), (3)
3. insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">Diabetes treatment
Stone Breaker (Phyllanthus niruri) displays evidence of anti-diabetic activity. Research conducted by Dr. Charles Okoli and his associates, used lab rats for test. Diabetic rats were treated with aerial extracts of Stone Breaker and as a result the rats’ blood glucose levels decreased, as well as their glucose absorption and storage. While it’s not know for sure if Stone Breaker caused these results, these findings suggest the lowered blood glucose levels were caused by the aerial extracts of Store Breaker. As a result, Stone Breaker is known to be anti-diabetic.
4. Anti-cancerous
Phyllanthus niruri (Stone Breaker) and other phyllanthus species help prevent the metastasis of some lung and breast cancers. Research showed that the polyphenols in this herb help prevent the invasion, migration, and adhesion of cancer cells.
A 2012 research on human colorectal and liver cancer cell lines also found that Stone Breaker helped slow cancer cell growth and encouraged cancer cell death.
5. infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">Inflammation
Stone Breaker has a known traditional use for infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation and pain. Multiple published research have shown Stone Breaker contains anti-inflammatory effect for ulcer protection, ulcerative colitis and relieving sore throat pain due to tonsil inflammation. (4), (5), (6)
6. Action against Harmful Organisms
Water extracts of Stone Breaker are selectively toxic to some types of harmful organisms, without affecting beneficial organisms. The Universidad de la República researched 28 plant and algae species for activity against harmful organisms. Researchers noted that the most interesting activity was observed in Stone Breaker. This observation and conclusion was duplicated by researchers at the University of Malaysia.
7. Treat acute hepatitis B
Phyllanthus niruri help treat acute hepatitis B infections due to its anti-viral and liver-protecting abilities.
In a 2010 study, 60 people with the condition received either a placebo or a product made of seven herbal medicines including 100 milligrams of Stone Breaker (phyllanthus niruri). The herbal medicine group experienced faster recovery than the placebo group. However, they reported side effects like upper abdominal pain and diarrhea. Stone Breaker herb may not help chronic hepatitis B, though.
8. Antioxidant Activity
Stone Breaker has been evaluated for antioxidant activity and its response to high blood pressure and high blood sugar. The high phenolic content of Stone Breaker has shown antioxidant activity, which has been found to support balanced blood sugar and normal blood pressure This has created excitement about the potential of Stone Breaker during times of distress. In one study researchers noted that Stone Breaker engages an enhanced antioxidant defense system.
9. Liver Health
Traditional Chinese medicine has always mentioned Stone Breaker (Xiao Fan Hun) as an herb that supports liver health. The Department of Chemistry at Bose Institute in India conducted an animal research that investigated the liver protecting action of Stone Breaker against acetaminophen toxicity. Results showed that a protein in Stone Breaker protects liver tissues against oxidative stress, probably by increasing antioxidant defenses. Study results from the Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research suggest compounds in Stone Breaker may be a valuable component to a multi-herb, liver-support formulation.
Traditional uses and benefits of Stonebreaker
- Decoction with honey is used as a cough medicine.
- Ayurvedic experts use this plant for treating stomach, genitourinary system, liver, kidney and spleen.
- It has anti-hepatitis B properties and it is also used for treating kidney stones.
- It can cure liver diseases, lower the cholesterol, reduces growth of hepatitis B virus, has antifungal, antiviral, liver cirrhosis, diuretic, stomachic, Menorrhagia, Leucorrhea, remove toxins, hypertension, anemia, leprosy, ringworm and menstrual problems.
- Root extracts are used in massage oils, body lotions and hair oil.
- Regular use of a small portion of the leaf helps to increase immunity power drastically.
- It helps in improving the quality of bile and improves bile production and helps in digestion.
- It helps to eliminate gall stones, kidney stones and cure liver hepatitis along with other herbs like Bhringraj, Kalmegh, Kaasni.
- It helps to improve the immunity and therefore useful in recurrent respiratory tract infections, asthma, Tonsillitis in children.
- It helps in limiting the growth of hepatitis B virus found in the blood stream.
- It is said to be used in the case of anorexia.
- It is diuretic and hence is used in urinary tract infections and bacterial infections like cyctitis and protastitis.
- Infusion of the root and leaves is a good tonic and diuretic when taken cold in repeated doses.
- Poultice of the leaves with salt cures scabby disorder of the skin.
- Poultice can also be applied on a bruise and wound without salt.
- Fresh root is believed to be an excellent remedy for jaundice.
- Milky juice of the plant is a good remedy to apply on offensive skin sores.
- According to Unani system of medicine, the herb is a stomachic and is useful in chronic dysentery.
- Fruits of the plant are useful for tubercular ulcers, wounds, sores, scabies and ring worm.
- Decoction of the whole plant is a very good remedy against malarial fever.
- It can be used to increase the appetite and locally to relieve inflammations.
- Infusion of young shoots is an effective cure to treat dysentery.
- Fresh juice of the whole plant along with clarified butter is very effective in the treatment of Menorrhagia, Leucorrhea and Gonorrhea.
- Consuming a spoon of fresh juice from the plant, along with sugar and jira, helps to mitigate pain in urination.
- Whole plant also contains potassium. Regular intake of a small quantity of leaves in the morning on an empty stomach helps to get rid of the toxins.
- Tuberculosis can also be controlled by using this herb.
- Juice of the plant is effective dressing for offensive sores.
- Juice is mixed with oil and used for treating conjunctivitis and eye inflammation.
- Young leaves are used for milder forms of intermittent fevers.
- Leaves are boiled in milk and are given in dropsical disorders and urinary complaints.
- Poultice of leaves are prepared with rice water and applied to ulcers or edematous swelling.
- It is used for treating itch, scabies and other skin diseases.
- Fresh roots along with rice water are given in menorrhagia (excessive profuse discharge of menses or its prolongation).
- Leaves were crushed with salt and applied for skin diseases.
- Plant decoction was very effective for diabetes and chest pain.
- Decoction of leaves or roots is used for ulcers.
- Dried powder of the plant mixed with gruel water is applied over ulcers and wounds.
- In Unani medicine the roots of this plant are used for the remedy of liver diseases.
- Seeds were used in the treatment of ulcers, wounds and scabies& ring worms.
Ayurvedic Health benefits of Stonebreaker
- Skin Diseases: Grind Stonebreaker leaves to make a paste. Add 4 g of common salt in one tsp of the paste. Apply the mixture over the affected area. It provides relief from skin heat, swelling and itching.
- Jaundice: Extract juice of the Stonebreaker plant by crushing it. Drink 20 ml of it thrice a day. OR Grind roots of Stonebreaker to make a paste. Take half tsp of it with warm milk in the morning.
- Leucorrhoea: Consume 40 ml juice of Stonebreaker plant in the morning.
- Diabetes: Prepare a decoction of Stonebreaker herb in one cup of water. Strain and drink 20 ml of this decoction daily. It helps to reduce the blood glucose levels.
- Aphthous ulcers: Make a decoction with leaves and roots of Stonebreaker plant. Gargle with it.
- Wound: Crush dried seeds of Stonebreaker and add water to make a paste. Apply it on the wounds. This remedy is effective for Scabies and ringworms.
- Fever: Prepare a decoction of Stonebreaker leaves. Take 2 tsp thrice a day.
- Dysentery: Collect new shoots of Stonebreaker plant. Prepare an infusion. Have one tbsp thrice a day.
- Heavy Menstrual bleeding: Squeeze out the juice of Stonebreaker plant. Have 4 tbsp juice with Clarified butter (ghee) in the morning and at bed time.
- Gonorrhea: Drink 50 ml juice of Stone breaker with clarified butter in an empty stomach.
- Liver Diseases: Stonebreaker is effective in case of fatty liver. Consume 40 g of Stonebreaker herb once a day.
- Scabies: Crush the dried seeds of Stonebreaker and add water to make a paste. Apply it over the affected area.
- Ringworm: Stonebreaker seed is effective in case of ringworm. Make a paste of dried Stonebreaker seed powder with water. Apply it on the affected area.
- Antispasmodic: Stonebreaker leaves and stems contain Alkaloid Phyllanthosid which possess Antispasmodic property. Prepare a decoction of Stonebreaker leaves and stems in one cup of water. Strain and drink it.
- Urinary Tract infections: Make a paste of Conch grass with Stone breaker in 2:1 ratio. Drink with one cup butter milk in the morning.
How to Consume Stonebreaker
Stonebreaker is used chiefly for its medicinal properties, and it is not consumed as a food.
Remedies
Main preparations: Capsules, decoction, infusion
- Capsules: Taking stonebreak in this supplemental form is widely preferred to obtain all its medicinal properties avoiding its naturally bitter flavor.
- Decoction: When the aerial parts of the plant are boiled, the concentrated liquid can be taken to aid the elimination of stones and manage the symptoms of gout.
- Infusion: Stonebreaker can be brewed into a warm tisane to be taken throughout the day in order to reduce uric acid and prevent the formation of stones.
Process of making stone breaker (Stone Breaker) herb Tea
You can easily brew your own Stone Breaker tea at home if you can get your hands on the ingredients!
- Step 1: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil on the stove.
- Step 2: Add 1 tablespoon of Stone Breaker tea leaves to an infuser or teapot.
- Step 3: Pour the hot water over the tea leaves and allow steeping for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Strain the tea leaves and serve hot.
- Step 5: You may add honey or lemon, for flavor, if desired.
Note: You should drink 1 cup 2-3 times each day to remedy an acute problem with kidney stones.
Other Facts
- Decoction of the leaves and stem together can be used to dye cotton black.
- It is also used to help catch fish.
- In desert regions, it is administered to camels to relieve their indigestion.
- In India, Stone Breaker is most frequently reported in rice, maize, cassava, sorghum and in dryland crops. It is also a serious weed of beans.
- In Bangladesh and India, it is reported as a common weed of sugarcane and jute.
- In Nepal it is reported as a weed of rice fields and sugarcane.
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