Globally, kidney stones effect roughly 8.8% of the population. In the United States, this number is even higher (closer to 10% or 1 in 10 people). And chances are, if you’re a stone former, you have probably heard of Chanca Piedra, aka “Stone Breaker.” Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus Niruri) is a plant commonly used to reduce stone risk, dissolve lingering stones, and relieve pain.

Medicinal plants have long been in use to treat kidney stones around the globe. Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus Niruri) or “Stone Breaker” is one such natural alternative that is relatively inexpensive, easy to obtain, and has a low incidence of adverse effects. To date, the following properties have been well-documented and described:

• Anti-inflammatory: reduces inflammation in the body ¹
• Anti-hyperuricemic: reduces uric acid in blood ²
• Diuretic: increased urine volume ³

Additionally, there have been many studies that have shown the beneficial effects of Chanca Piedra and its potential to inhibit the formation of kidney stones. One such recent study used Chanca Piedra tea (much like Stone Relief’s herbal tea products) and demonstrated powerful results.

MATERIALS & METHODS

A recent study (published September 2017) conducted by the Urologic Division of the University of Soa Paulo Medical School Hospital has aimed to shed more light onto this specific plant’s ability to aid people with kidney stones. The study followed 56 patients (18-60 years of age) for 26 weeks. All patients in this study had kidney stones of less than 10mm.

The study was divided into three stages: Baseline, Chanca Piedra, and Washout. The Baseline stage was a periodic time prior to intervention with Chanca Piedra. During this stage, all patients received clinical, metabolic, and ultrasound based evaluations to establish a baseline on how many stones they had and how large the stones were.

The Chanca Piedra stage consisted of 12 weeks of the patients ingesting a tea prepared with the extract of Phyllanthus Niruri (Chanca Piedra) in accordance with literature recommendations ⁴. Each patient received sachets of Chanca Piedra containing 4.5 grams of the herb. The patients were instructed to prepare the tea using 250mL (~8oz) of boiling water for each 4.5g sachet and drink two sachets per day (very similar to the instructions we use for Stone Relief herbal tea products).

The final step, called “Washout,” involved 12 weeks without ingestion of Chanca Piedra.  

RESULTS

Ultrasonography evaluation of the patients performed in the three stages of the study revealed that stone count and stone size decreased in 67.8% of the patients. Some patients even reported spontaneous stone passage between the 21st and 70th day of the Chanca Piedra stage. Others observed sandy fragments in their urine during the Chanca Piedra stage as well indicating that their current stones were breaking apart. Either way you slice it, the study demonstrated powerful-natural results for individuals suffering from kidney stones.

To read the entire study, please click HERE.

 Citations

¹ Bagalkotkar G, Sagineedu SR, Saad MS, Stanslas J. Phytochemicals from Phyllanthus niruri Linn. and their pharmacological properties: a review. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2006;58:1559-70

² Murugaiyah V, Chan KL. Mechanisms of antihyperuricemic effect of Phyllanthus niruri and its lignan constituents. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;124:233-9

³ Devi MV, Satyanarayana S, Rao AS. Effect of Phyllanthus niruri on the diuretic activity of Punarvana tablets. J Res Edu Ind Med.1986; 5:11-3

⁴ Brasil. Ministério da Saúde. ANVISA. Diário Oficial da União, 9 de março de 2010, 46, seção 1, 1677-7042. Agência de Vigilância Sanitária (RDC 10, ANVISA), ISSN Março 2010, p. 16-17. Dispõe sobre a notificação de drogas vegetais junto à Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) e outras providências. Disponivel em: <http://bvsms.saude.gov.br/ bvs/saudelegis/anvisa/2010/res0010_09_03_2010.html>