482 Phyllanthus maderaspatensis Linn.
bark produces headache and severe abdominal pain.
The root bark contains 18% tannin, saponin, gallic acid and a crystalline substance (probably lupeol). The bark contains beta-amyrin and phyllanthol.
The fruit is sour; contains acidity (as acetic acid) 1.70%.
Phyllanthus maderaspatensis
Linn.
Family Euphorbiaceae.
Habitat Throughout drier parts of India.
Unani Kanochaa, Isfahaan Mary. Siddha/Tamil Mela-nelli.
Action Leaves—an infusion is used in headache. Seeds—carminative, diuretic.
Whole plant revealed antispasmodic action in isolated guinea-pig ileum, CNS depressant and hypothermic effects in mice.
Phyllanthus niruri Linn.
Family Euphorbiaceae.
Habitat Native to America. English Chanca Piedra.
Ayurvedic Bhuumyaamalaki, assigned to P niruri, has now been equated with P fraternus.
Action Antispasmodic, antipyretic, diuretic, antiviral, bactericidal.
Taking Chanca Piedra orally does not seem to be effective for treating hepatitis B. The herb contains niuride, which inhibits specific HIV-protein binding activity, but does not protect cells from acute HIV infection. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)
Phyllanthus simplex Retz.
Synonym P virgatus J. R. et G. Forst.
Family Euphorbiaceae.
Habitat Throughout India.
Ayurvedic Bhumyaamalaki (var.).
Folk Mothi-bhuiaamvali (Maharashtra).
Plant—antiseptic. Fresh leaves, bruised in butter milk, are used as a wash for itch. Fresh leaves, flowers and fruits with cumin seeds and sugar, are used in gonorrhoea. Root—applied to mammary abscesses.
Fruits contain oxalic acid.
