Phyllanthus maderaspatensis

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Phyllanthus maderaspatensis

Family: Phyllanthaceae

Genus: Phyllanthus

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Phyllanthus emblica (Amla, Indian Gooseberry) - One of the most important Ayurvedic herbs, a powerful rejuvenator (Rasayana) prized for its high Vitamin C content and benefits for digestion, immunity, and overall health.

• Phyllanthus niruri (Bhumi Amalaki) - A key herb in Ayurvedic and folk medicine systems across India for liver disorders (hepatoprotective), kidney stones, and diabetes.

• Phyllanthus amarus - Often used interchangeably with P. niruri, it is renowned for its hepatoprotective and antiviral properties, particularly against the Hepatitis B virus.

  
  

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Phyllanthus maderaspatensis | English: - | Sanskrit: - | Hindi: - | Tamil: Melka nelli, Kattu nelli | Telugu: Nela usiri | Kannada: Kiru nelli | Malayalam: Cherunelli | Marathi: - | Bengali: - | Nepali: - | Urdu: - |

3. Medicinal UsesHepatoprotective (liver-protecting), Diuretic, Antiurolithiatic (Kidney Stone prevention), Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic, Antidiabetic.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Lignans (Phyllanthin, Hypophyllanthin): These are signature compounds found in many Phyllanthus species. They are primarily responsible for the potent Hepatoprotective activity, helping to protect liver cells from toxins and reduce viral load in hepatitis.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin): As powerful Antioxidants, they scavenge free radicals, reducing oxidative stress on the liver and kidneys. They also contribute to the plant's Anti-inflammatory and Diuretic effects.

Tannins (Ellagitannins, Gallotannins): These compounds have Astringent and Antioxidant properties. They may help in preventing the crystallization of minerals in the kidneys, contributing to the Antiurolithiatic property.

Alkaloids: Certain alkaloids present in the plant have been studied for their potential Antiviral and Antidiabetic activities.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Hepatoprotective (For Jaundice and Liver Health)

Formulation: Whole plant decoction or juice.

Preparation & Use: The entire plant is cleaned and used to prepare a decoction or fresh juice. This is consumed daily for a period to treat jaundice, hepatitis, and other liver ailments.

Reasoning: The Lignans (phyllanthin) and Flavonoids in the plant help regenerate liver cells, protect them from damage caused by toxins and viruses, and stimulate bile flow, which aids in recovery from jaundice.

Antiurolithiatic (For Kidney and Bladder Stones)

Formulation: Whole plant decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the whole plant is taken regularly to help break down small kidney stones (calculi) and prevent the formation of new ones. It is also used for urinary tract infections.

Reasoning: The plant exhibits Diuretic action, increasing urine output which helps flush out small stones. The Tannins and other compounds may inhibit the aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals, the most common component of kidney stones.

Antipyretic and Anti-inflammatory

Formulation: Leaf paste or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The leaf paste is applied topically to relieve inflammation and swelling. The decoction is consumed to reduce fevers.

Reasoning: The Flavonoids and Tannins work systemically to reduce fever and locally to alleviate inflammation and pain.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

This plant is not typically used as a food item but is prepared as a medicinal tea or decoction.

Liver-Cleansing Decoction

Purpose: To support liver function, particularly in cases of jaundice or sluggish liver.

Preparation & Use:

1. Take 20-30 grams of the fresh or dried whole Phyllanthus maderaspatensis plant.

2. Boil it in 3 cups of water until the volume reduces to about 1 cup.

3. Strain the decoction.

4. Divide this into 2-3 doses and consume throughout the day before meals. Continue for 15-30 days as needed, under guidance.

Kidney Stone Support Tea

Purpose: To support kidney health and prevent stone formation.

Preparation & Use:

1. Take 10-15 grams of the dried plant.

2. Steep it in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes.

3. Strain and drink this tea once or twice a day.

4. Ensure adequate water intake throughout the day.

7. Disclaimer:Phyllanthus maderaspatensis has a traditional use for liver and kidney conditions. However, liver disease is a serious condition that requires medical diagnosis and supervision. Do not self-treat conditions like jaundice or hepatitis with this herb without consulting a healthcare provider. Its safety during pregnancy and lactation is not established.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Medicinal Plants by P.K. Warrier, V.P.K. Nambiar, C. Ramankutty

• Compendium of Indian Medicinal Plants (Volumes 1-5) by R.P. Rastogi & B.N. Mehrotra

9. Further study:Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties:

• Bhumi Amalaki (Phyllanthus niruri/amarus): This is the most well-known Phyllanthus species for liver and kidney disorders. The uses and phytochemical profile (rich in lignans like phyllanthin) are very similar, making it a direct comparator.

• Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): From the Nyctaginaceae family. It shares strong Diuretic and Antiurolithiatic properties and is a primary Ayurvedic herb for kidney health and reducing edema (swelling).

• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): From the Menispermaceae family. It is a powerful immunomodulator and hepatoprotective herb, widely used in Ayurveda for liver disorders, fevers, and as a general rejuvenator.

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