Introduction

Phyllanthus niruri, commonly known as Bhumyamalaki or Bhui Amla, is one of the most respected liver-protective herbs in Ayurveda. It is widely used in the management of jaundice, hepatitis, fatty liver, splenomegaly, diabetes, urinary disorders, skin diseases, and inflammatory conditions.

It is also an ingredient in classical Rasayana formulations such as Chyawanprash.

Latin Name: Phyllanthus niruri Linn., Phyllanthus amarus
Family: Euphorbiaceae (Eranda Kula)

Sanskrit Synonyms

Bhoomi Amalaki, Bhu Dhatri, Shatamala, Bahupatra, Bahuphala, Tali, Tamalaki, Trutoshiva, Sookshmapatri, Shubhankini, Shiva, Bahuveerya, Vishvakparni and others.

Sanskrit Verse

Bhumyamalaki is indicated in:

Rochani – Enhances appetite
Pandu – Anemia
Raktapitta – Bleeding disorders
Kaphaja Kushta – Skin diseases
Visha – Toxic conditions
Shwasa & Kasa – Respiratory disorders
Trushna & Pipasa – Excess thirst
Daha – Burning sensation
Hidhma – Hiccups
Pitta Meha – Diabetes
Mutraroga – Urinary disorders

Botanical Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Phyllanthaceae
Genus: Phyllanthus
Species: P. niruri

Properties, Part Used, Dosage

Ayurvedic Pharmacodynamics

Rasa: Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet)
Guna: Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
Veerya: Sheeta (Cooling)
Vipaka: Madhura
Karma: Kaphapitta Shamana

Chemical Constituents

Major constituents include:

Phyllanthin
Niranthin
Flavonoids
Alkaloids
Geraniin
Corilagin
Ellagitannins
Kaempferol derivatives
Sterols

Classical Categorization

Charaka – Kasahara, Shwasahara
Dhanvantari Nighantu – Chandanadi Varga
Bhavaprakasha – Guduchyadi Varga
Raja Nighantu – Parpatadi Varga
Kaiyyadeva Nighantu – Oushadhi Varga

Vernacular Names

Hindi – Bhui Amla
English – Stonebreaker
Kannada – Nelanelli
Malayalam – Kizharnelli
Tamil – Kilanelli
Telugu – Nela Usirika
Marathi – Bhui Amla
Spanish – Chanca Piedra
Brazil – Quebrapedra
Sinhala – Pittawaka
Sind – Niruri
and various regional names across India and abroad.

Morphology

Bhumyamalaki is a small annual herb growing up to 2 feet tall.

Leaves: Small, alternate, arranged in two rows
Flowers: Small, pale green, monoecious
Stem: Smooth, light green
Fruits: Tiny smooth capsules
Habitat: Widely distributed across India, especially coastal regions

Uses, Indications

Bhumyamalaki is used both internally and externally in Ayurvedic clinical practice.

External Uses

Leaf paste applied for skin infections and inflammatory skin disorders
Whole plant paste with rock salt applied over fractures to reduce swelling and pain
Root paste triturated with lime juice or rice gruel used in conjunctivitis and blepharitis
Paste with buttermilk used in jaundice
Processed paste applied over eyelids in eye pain

Internal Uses

Fresh leaf juice (15–20 ml empty stomach) in indigestion, hyperacidity, and jaundice
Whole plant juice (15 ml) in fever, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly
Decoction (30 ml) as blood purifier and for skin diseases
Herbal tea in typhoid
Juice in cough and asthma (internal or nasal use under supervision)

Disease-Specific Indications

Prameha (Diabetes): Powder with Maricha
Raktapitta (Haemorrhage): Seeds with rice water
Pradara: Root with rice water
Oedema: Leaf and root paste
Chronic Dysentery: Infusion of tender shoots
Typhoid: Leaf decoction

Part Used

Whole plant (Panchanga)

Dosage

Fresh juice: 10–20 ml
Powder: 3–6 grams daily
Decoction: 30 ml

Dosage should be individualized under Ayurvedic supervision.

Pharmacology

Modern research identifies the following actions:

Hepatoprotective
Antioxidant
Anti-viral
Anti-inflammatory
Hypoglycemic
Antispasmodic
Analgesic
Carminative
Febrifugal
Mild laxative
Biliary stimulant
Vermifugal

Useful In:

Hepatitis, jaundice, diabetes, kidney stones, menorrhagia, dyspepsia, cystitis, prostatitis, hypertension, skin ulcers, sore throat, chronic dysentery.

Adverse Effect

No significant adverse effects in recommended dosage
Excess use may aggravate Vata due to cooling nature
Mild laxative effect — caution in diarrhea

Interaction with Medicines, Supplements

With Homeopathic Medicines

Generally compatible.

With Supplements

Usually safe with multivitamins and omega-3, but medical supervision is advised.

With Allopathic Medicines

Maintain a 30-minute gap between conventional and Ayurvedic medicines. Consult physician if on diabetes or liver medication.

Bhoomyamalaki for Liver Protection

Bhumyamalaki is one of Ayurveda’s most trusted natural liver protectors.

It helps in:

Fatty liver
Elevated liver enzymes
Hepatitis
Alcoholic liver damage
Drug-induced hepatotoxicity

Actions include:

Liver cell regeneration
Reduction of oxidative stress
Improved bile flow
Anti-inflammatory protection

Ayurvedic Medicines

Formulations containing Bhumyamalaki include:

Clearliv Syrup
A3 Forte Capsule
Avir Tablet
Livplus Capsule
Vasuliv Tablet
Beliv Tablet
Chyavanaprasha
Kantakari Ghrita
Bhumyamalakadi Kashaya

Research

Antioxidant Activity

Studies demonstrate reduced lipid peroxidation and improved antioxidant enzyme levels (GSH, CAT, SOD).

Hepatoprotective Study

Animal studies show protection against acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity.

Anti-diabetic Study

Methanolic extracts show significant blood glucose reduction in STZ-induced diabetic models.

Anti-inflammatory Study

Standardized extracts demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.

These compounds contribute to hepatoprotective and metabolic effects.

Sthanika Karma (Systemic Action)

External Use

Skin disorders
Wound inflammation
Fracture swelling
Eye disorders (with Saindhava and fermented gruel)

Internal Administration

Digestive System

Carminative, digestive stimulant, liver stimulant. Useful in anorexia, thirst, gastric ulcer, jaundice.

Circulatory System

Blood purifier; beneficial in bleeding disorders.

Respiratory System

Useful in cough and dyspnea; root with sugar in hiccough.

Reproductive System

Indicated in female reproductive disorders.

Excretory System

Useful in diabetes and urinary disorders.

Satmikarana

Promotes strength and exhibits anti-toxic action.

Dr. Abhijeet Shirkande MD, PhD

Shirkande Ayurved Clinic