Stonebreaker

Stonebreaker, originally uploaded by kadavoor.

Phyllanthus niruri

Malayalam: Keezhanelli

The annual herb Phyllanthus niruri is best known by the common names Stonebreaker(Eng.), Chanca Piedra(Sp.) and Quebra Pedra(Port.), Seed-Under-Leaf(Eng.) but has many other common names in assorted languages, including dukong anak, dukong-dukong anak, amin buah, rami buah, turi hutan, and bhuiaonla. The herb is known as Nela Nelli in Kannada. It is a widespread tropical plant commonly found in coastal areas. It is a relative of the spurges, belonging to the leafflower genus of Family Phyllanthaceae.

Extracts of this herb have shown promise in treating a wide range of human diseases. Some of the medicinal properties suggested by numerous preclinical trials are anti-hepatotoxic, anti-lithic, anti-hypertensive, anti-HIV and anti-hepatitis B.

It blocks DNA polymerase, the enzyme needed for the hepatitis B virus to reproduce. It also prevent from jaundice,diabetes, dyspepsia, ulcers, sores, swellings, ophthalmia and chronic dysentery. Whole plant is useful for the treatment of some forms of gonorrhea, menorrhagia, dropsy, menorrhagia and other genito- urinary affections of a similar type. A poultice of the leaves mixed with salt cures itch and other skin affections. It is bitter, astringent, cold, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and useful in liver disorders, cough, asthma, jaundice, spleen disorders. Phyllanthus may help decrease the amount of hepatitis B virus found in the blood stream.

Taken at Kadavoor, Kerala, India

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllanthus_niruri

www.rain-tree.com/chanca.htm

www.motherherbs.com/phyllanthus-niruri.html