Phyllanthus niruri
Bhuiamalaki, botanically known has Phyllanthus niruri is a member of Euphorbiaceae family. The decoction of the plant has historically being used in jaundice. In a preliminary study, carriers of hepatitis B virus were treated with a preparation of the plant Phyllanthus niruri for 30 days. 22 of 37 (59%) treated patients had lost hepatitis B surface antigen when tested 15-20 days after the end of the treatment compared with only 1 of 23 (4%) placebo-treated controls. Some subjects have been followed for up to 9 months. In no case has the surface antigen returned. Studies also revealed that Phyllanthus niruri exhibits antiviral actions on Hepatitis B in human subjects and in vitro.
Preclinical studies demonstrates that an extract of the Phyllanthus niruri plant inhibits endogenous DNA polymerase of hepatitis B virus and binds to the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus. Extracts of Phyllanthus niruri have been shown to exert hepatoprotective effect against carbon tetrachloride induced liver cell damage in rabbits. Pre-treatment with extract of Phyllanthus niruri, reduced paracetamol-induced acute liver damage in rats as monitored by estimating the serum transaminases (SGOT and SGPT), bilirubin and histopathological changes in the livers.
That research has been discredited.
ReplyDeleteSubsequent study by the same group showed failure.
Work we published in 1994 showed total failure!
(See NZ Med J, A.Milne, et al).
Work by Liu, Mackintosh et al in 2001 is suspect.
If you cannot provide strong evidence of success since 2001 you should withdraw this item as it is unethical to assign effectiveness to this herb.
(Sandy.milne@xtra.co.nz, tel XX64 7 3085322).