The scientific study An insight into the potent medicinal plant Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn., authored by Bose Mazumdar Ghosh et al., offers a comprehensive review of the traditional and modern scientific knowledge surrounding Phyllanthus amarus. This plant, known for its widespread use in Ayurvedic and folk medicine systems, has been examined for its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, and other therapeutic effects. The review compiles decades of research (1985–2022) from global sources, focusing on phytochemistry, pharmacology, ethnobotany, and recent molecular studies to support the plant's role as a valuable herbal remedy and a potential pharmaceutical resource. The paper also addresses the ongoing challenges in species identification and encourages further clinical and genomic research to fully realize the medicinal promise of P. amarus.

For over 2,000 years, Phyllanthus amarus has been used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and folk medicine across South America and Africa. Known by many names—such as “Bhuiamla” in India and “Chanca Piedra” in Spanish-speaking countries—this small, leafy plant has been used to treat liver problems, kidney stones, diabetes, and more.

The study explains that while P. amarus is popular in herbal traditions, its identity is often confused with similar species like Phyllanthus niruri. This confusion makes research harder and has led scientists to focus more on accurate classification, phytochemical content, and understanding the true healing power of this herb.

To better understand the full potential of P. amarus, the authors followed a systematic review method. They searched major databases—Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science—for studies published from 1985 to August 2022. Using PRISMA guidelines, the review looked at keywords related to the plant’s distribution, physical traits, traditional uses, bioactivity, and chemical compounds.

This study carefully analyzed the literature to bring together findings from many parts of the world and build a complete picture of P. amarus’s medicinal value.

Phyllanthus amarus has long been trusted by communities across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It’s used to treat liver issues, stomach problems, skin conditions, and infections. In India, people use it for jaundice and menstrual issues. In Nigeria, it's taken for malaria and diabetes. South American tribes used it to “break stones” (hence the name “Chanca Piedra”), meaning to help pass kidney stones.

The study notes, “The ethnopharmacology or traditional usefulness of P. amarus... has a long history of use in herbal systems of medicine in several tropical countries across the world where it grows.”

Scientists have found that P. amarus contains many bioactive compounds that can help the body heal. These compounds include:

• Lignans such as phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin: These support liver health and have antiviral effects.
• Flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol: Known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Alkaloids such as securinine: These help protect the body from infection and reduce pain.
• Triterpenes and sterols: Compounds that support immune function and may reduce tumor growth.
• Tannins and polyphenols: These fight oxidative stress and harmful microbes.

The study describes P. amarus as a “hub of a wide array of secondary metabolites” that give it powerful medicinal properties.

One of the most researched benefits of P. amarus is its hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) ability. In both human and animal studies, the plant has been shown to protect the liver from damage caused by alcohol, viruses, or toxins.

In one early study from 1985, P. amarus extracts were tested on rat liver cells exposed to harmful chemicals. The results showed that “the hepatoprotective properties of the lignans phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, and triacontanol” helped reduce liver cell damage. These results have been confirmed by later studies using rats, mice, and even human liver cell lines.

Some research also tested P. amarus against hepatitis B virus (HBV). The plant helped block viral replication and even led to a reduction in viral surface antigens in both cell studies and animal models.

In clinical trials with human patients, a 30-day treatment with P. amarus showed a significant clearance of HBV markers in over 50% of the treated group—compared to just 4% in the placebo group.

Oxidative stress is a condition where harmful molecules, called free radicals, build up in the body. This can damage cells and lead to chronic diseases. P. amarus has shown strong antioxidant activity by helping remove these harmful molecules.

The study says that compounds such as amariin, repandusinic acid, and phyllanthusiin D showed high antioxidant power in lab tests. The plant also helped reduce oxidative stress in the liver, kidneys, and blood in animal models. This suggests it may help in conditions like diabetes, inflammation, and heart disease.

Researchers have studied P. amarus for its blood sugar-lowering ability in people with diabetes. A small clinical trial with 21 patients showed a significant drop in blood sugar levels after they took an aqueous extract of the plant.

In animal studies, diabetic rats treated with P. amarus also had better blood glucose control. These effects are likely linked to the plant’s antioxidant action, which helps protect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Beyond liver and diabetes care, P. amarus has been studied for:

• Antimicrobial effects: It fights bacteria, fungi, and even malaria parasites.
• Anti-inflammatory action: It reduces swelling and pain.
• Cancer prevention: Some extracts stop the growth of liver and breast cancer cells.
• Kidney protection: It helps prevent damage caused by toxins or infections.

The wide range of benefits makes P. amarus a promising candidate for future natural treatments and supplements.

This study shows how modern science is helping confirm what traditional healers have known for generations: Phyllanthus amarus has real medicinal value.

The plant’s healing power comes from a mix of natural compounds that work together. These include lignans, flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins, all of which have been studied for their roles in protecting the liver, lowering blood sugar, fighting viruses, and reducing inflammation.

What makes P. amarus even more interesting is that it’s safe, natural, and already part of traditional medicine systems in many cultures. However, the study also points out that more clinical trials and species authentication are needed before it can be widely used in the pharmaceutical industry.

This scientific study reveals that Phyllanthus amarus is more than just a folk remedy—it’s a powerful medicinal plant backed by modern research. From protecting the liver and fighting hepatitis B to lowering blood sugar and acting as a strong antioxidant, the plant’s benefits are wide-ranging and well-supported by laboratory and clinical studies.

With more research, especially in the areas of clinical trials and molecular identification, P. amarus could play a major role in future herbal medicine and pharmaceutical development. As more people seek safe, plant-based therapies, this humble herb may soon take center stage in natural health care.