Phyllanthus niruri · Phyllanthus amarus · Stone breaker · Chanca piedra
300–500 mg whole-herb extract · vegan · gluten-free · 60 caps
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Bhumi amla is the whole herb of Phyllanthus niruri (sometimes P. amarus), a small annual plant used across Ayurveda, Siddha, and traditional Chinese medicine for liver disorders and kidney stones. It is one of the most researched Ayurvedic herbs for hepatitis B, though clinical results are mixed.
The herb contains lignans (phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin), alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols. In vitro and animal studies show inhibition of hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase, hepatoprotective effects against carbon tetrachloride and paracetamol toxicity, and antilithic (stone-reducing) activity.
People interested in traditional liver support, those with chronic hepatitis B seeking adjunctive botanical options, and individuals prone to kidney stones. Should be used as an adjunct, not a replacement for standard medical care.
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not discontinue standard antiviral therapy for hepatitis B without hepatologist guidance. Use caution with diabetes medications as it may lower blood glucose.
✓ Divided dosing maintains more stable blood levels throughout the day.
✓ Divided dosing maintains more stable blood levels throughout the day.
✓ Divided dosing maintains more stable blood levels throughout the day.
✓ Food reduces the bitter herb's potential for nausea and stomach upset.
The herb contains lignans (phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin), alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols.
Each bar = one cited trial. Effect varies by methodology, dose, and population.
Elevated liver enzymes cohort (n≈68)
Target ALT <40 U/L (upper limit of normal).
see study
→ Review documented anti-hepatotoxic, anti-lithic, anti-hypertensive, anti-HIV, and anti-hepatitis B properties from preclinical studies.
see study
→ Aqueous extract inhibited HBV DNA polymerase and reduced surface antigen titer in woodchuck hepatitis virus carriers.
see study
→ Review summarized hepatoprotective, antiviral, antibacterial, hypolipidaemic, hypoglycaemic, and anti-urolithiatic preclinical evidence.
C · Preclinical evidence for hepatoprotection and antiviral activity is strong. Human RCTs for hepatitis B show mixed results — some Indian trials positive, larger international replications weaker. Not a substitute for standard antiviral therapy.
A plain-English read of the literature behind this supplement. Not a clinical recommendation.
Key citations: PMID 17331318, PMID 3467354, PMID 27283048
How to use Bhumi Amla specifically for liver enzyme elevation — the right dose, timing, blood markers to track, and how to know if it is working.
A clinical evidence review of Bhumi Amla — RCT data, effect sizes, evidence grade, and what the numbers mean for your specific situation.
Everything you need to know about Bhumi Amla — mechanism, dose, safety, buying guide for India, and what the research actually says.
SacredBod's longer take on Bhumi Amla — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
Bhumi amla — Phyllanthus niruri — is one of the most intensively studied Ayurvedic herbs in modern pharmacology, particularly for its effects on hepatitis B virus and liver protection. The small annual herb grows wild across India and has been used in traditional medicine for jaundice, liver enlargement, and kidney stones (hence the Spanish name “chanca piedra,” or stone breaker). In the 1980s, Indian researchers demonstrated that aqueous extracts could inhibit HBV DNA polymerase in vitro and reduce viral markers in woodchuck carriers, sparking decades of research and commercial interest.
The phytochemical profile includes lignans (phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin), alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols. A 2006 review in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology catalogued anti-hepatotoxic, anti-lithic, anti-hypertensive, anti-HIV, and anti-hepatitis B properties from preclinical studies. The hepatoprotective mechanism appears to involve reduction of lipid peroxidation, maintenance of glutathione levels, and modulation of inflammatory cytokines. A 2016 review reinforced these findings and added hypolipidaemic, hypoglycaemic, and anti-urolithiatic activities to the preclinical portfolio.
The clinical story for hepatitis B is more complicated. Early Indian trials reported encouraging results, with some patients clearing HBeAg or reducing HBV DNA after Phyllanthus treatment. However, larger international trials and a Cochrane systematic review found weaker or inconsistent effects when compared to standard antiviral drugs or placebo. The 2011 Cochrane review concluded there was insufficient evidence to support or refute Phyllanthus for chronic hepatitis B, noting that existing trials were small and at high risk of bias. This is a critical framing point: bhumi amla is not a proven cure for hepatitis B and should never replace lamivudine, tenofovir, or entecavir without specialist oversight.
For general liver support and kidney stone prevention, the risk-benefit profile is more favorable. Traditional use is extensive, preclinical data is supportive, and the herb has a long history of consumption as a tea and decoction. As with all Ayurvedic supplements, heavy metal testing and quality control are essential — the Indian herbal market has documented contamination issues that make third-party verification non-negotiable.
For consumers, bhumi amla is best viewed as a traditional hepatoprotective adjunct with interesting but unconfirmed antiviral potential. It fits into a liver wellness protocol alongside standard medical care, not as a replacement for it.
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