Talk:Bhumyamalaki
Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn.
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Tamalaki |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn. |
| Family | Phyllanthaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Phyllanthus amarus (also known as Tamalaki; Latin: Phyllanthus amarus) is a small, erect annual herb belonging to the family Phyllanthaceae. Highly revered in Ayurveda, it is renowned for its hepatoprotective, diuretic (Mutrala), anti-inflammatory, and Pitta-pacifying (Pittasamana) properties.[1]
English name
Carry me seed / Gale of the wind
Therapeutic Use
Bhumyamalaki is clinically indicated in the management of:[2]
- Amlapitta (Gastritis / Hyperacidity)
- Kasa (Cough)
- Kshaya (Chronic debility / Wasting)
- Kushtha (Dermatological disorders / Skin diseases)
- Pandu (Anemia)
- Prameha (Urinary disorders / Diabetes mellitus)
- Trushna (Excessive thirst / Polydipsia)
- Mutra Roga (Urinary system disorders)
Other Varieties / Other Botanical names
- Phyllanthus niruri sensu auct. non L.
- Phyllanthus fraternus G.L.Webster
- Phyllanthus nanus Hook.f.
- Phyllanthus asperulatus Hutch.
- Diasperus amarus (Schumach. & Thonn.) Kuntze
Botanical Profile & Traditional Context
In traditional medicine, Bhumyamalaki is regarded as an exceptionally potent cooling, metabolic, and liver-protective herb. It is known to mitigate morbid Pitta and Kapha doshas while cleansing Rakta dhatu (blood tissue) and Mutravaha srotas (urinary tract). Its historical indications span acute and chronic jaundiced states, burning sensations, intermittent fevers, respiratory complaints, and kidney stones.
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Tamalaki, Bhumyamalaki
Additional Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
- Shiva – Highly potent medicine and regarded as one of the best therapeutic herbs.[3]
- Tamalaki – A very small and tender herb.[4]
- Bahupatra – Characterized by numerous small leaves.[5]
- Bahuphala – Yields a large number of tiny fruits along the branchlets.[6]
- Bahuvirya – Endowed with potent and multi-faceted medicinal efficacy.[7]
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties
According to Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics, the properties (Rasa Panchaka) of Bhumyamalaki are summarized below:[8]
| Sr. No. | Pharmacological Criteria | Properties (Ayurvedic Attributes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (Rasa) | Sweet (Madhura), Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya) |
| 2 | Potency (Veerya) | Cold (Sita) |
| 3 | Post-digestion Effect (Vipaka) | Sweet (Madhura) |
| 4 | Qualities (Guna) | Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha) |
| 5 | Actions (Karma) | Mutrala (diuretic), Rochana (appetite and taste enhancer), Dahanashini (reduces burning sensation), Pittasamana (pacifies Pitta dosha) |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
Bhumyamalaki (Tamalaki) is widely referenced across numerous clinical contexts and therapeutic formulations in the Charaka Samhita:
| Sr. No. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity / Indication / Formulation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/36 | Cough-relieving group (Kasahara Mahakashaya) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/37 | Anti-dyspneic / respiratory-easing group (Swasahara Mahakashaya) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 1/1/63 | Key ingredient of Chyavanprasha |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/219 | Ingredient of medicated ghee (Ghrita Yoga) |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/225 | Ingredient of medicated ghee (Ghrita Yoga) |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/119 | Ingredient of Trayamanadi Ghrita |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/70 | Dietary article in the management of tuberculosis / wasting (Rajayakshma) |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/108 | Ingredient of Duralabhadi Ghrita |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/112 | Ingredient of Jivantyadi Ghrita |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/37 | Ingredient of Amritaprasa Ghrita |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/102 | Ingredient of Dashamuladi Yavagu |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/123 | Ingredient of Shatyadi Churna |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/130 | Ingredient of medicated nasal formulation (Nasya) |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/142 | Ingredient of Tejovatyadi Ghrita |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/40 | Ingredient of Tryushanadi Ghrita |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/101 | Indicated in the management of Pitta-dominant cough (Pittaja Kasa) |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/120 | Indicated in the management of Kapha-dominant cough (Kaphaja Kasa) |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/127 | Ingredient of Kantakari Ghrita |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/178 | Ingredient of Padmakadi Leha |
| 20 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/87 | Indicated in the management of Vata-dominant heart disease (Vataja Hridroga) |
| 21 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/170 | Ingredient of Maha Mayura Ghrita |
| 22 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/159 | Ingredient of Amritadi Taila |
| 23 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/58 | Ingredient of Parushaka Ghrita |
| 24 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/93 | Ingredient of Madhuparnyadi Taila |
| 25 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/153 | Indicated in the treatment of gout / arthritis (Vatarakta) |
| 26 | Cha.Sa.Siddhi Sthana 12/19 | Ingredient of Baladi Sneha Basti (unctuous enema) |
Dose
Important Formulations
- Chyavanprasha
- Chitraka Haritaki
- Madhuyastyadi Taila
- Pippalyadi Ghrita
- Shatavari Guda
Current availability
Available
- Status: Widely distributed and cultivated as a medicinal weed throughout the tropical and subtropical plains of India.
- Global Distribution: Indigenous and naturalized across South Asia, Southeast Asia, tropical Africa, and the Caribbean.
Current researches
Phytochemical Composition
The therapeutic potential of Phyllanthus amarus stems from a rich array of secondary metabolites extracted across the aerial and root parts:
- Lignans: Phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, phyltetralin, niranthin, nirtetralin, and lintetralin.
- Hydrolyzable Tannins & Polyphenols: Geraniin, corilagin, amariin, furosin, and gallic acid derivatives.
- Flavonoids: Quercetin, quercitrin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, and rutin.
- Alkaloids & Terpenoids: Securinine-type alkaloids (norsecurinine, securinine), lupeol, and lupeol acetate.
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Hepatoprotective and Membrane-Stabilizing Activity
Phyllanthus amarus is globally acknowledged for its capacity to protect the liver parenchyma from acute and chronic insults.
- Mechanism: The principal lignans—phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin—inhibit microsomal lipid peroxidation, restore reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and preserve membrane ATPase enzymes in damaged hepatocytes.
- Scientific Evidence: Experimental studies show that standardized extracts markedly attenuate drug-, alcohol-, and chemical-induced increases in serum transaminases (ALT, AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and direct bilirubin, promoting accelerated hepatocellular regeneration.[11]
Antiviral and Anti-Hepatitis B Activity
The herb possesses pronounced inhibitory properties against pathogenic hepatic and enveloped viruses.
- Mechanism: Polyphenolic constituents and ellagitannins disrupt viral replication by downregulating viral mRNA transcription, inhibiting viral DNA polymerase, and blocking core antigen secretion.
- Scientific Evidence: Seminal research by Thyagarajan and Blumberg established significant clearance of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) in chronic HBV carriers. Subsequent molecular investigations have confirmed down-regulation of the HBV enhancer I/X promoter complex and inhibition of reverse transcriptase activity.[12][13]
Nephroprotective and Anti-Urolithic Effects
In agreement with its traditional Mutrala (diuretic) and urinary cleansing classification, P. amarus serves as an effective anti-stone agent.
- Mechanism: It disrupts the aggregation and endocytosis of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals on tubular epithelium, alters urinary glycosaminoglycan profiles, and downregulates stone matrix crystallization promoters.
- Scientific Evidence: Preclinical and clinical models demonstrate that administration reduces urinary oxalate, uric acid, and calcium levels, facilitating spontaneous passage and preventing recurrent micro-calculi formation.[14]
Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, and Immunomodulatory Actions
The herb exhibits potent anti-inflammatory effects that mitigate metabolic and inflammatory tissue destruction.
- Mechanism: Bioactive isolates like niranthin inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes, notably cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), while suppressing the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB).
- Scientific Evidence: In vivo assays demonstrate marked reductions in paw edema, thermal allodynia, and circulating TNF-α and IL-1β levels following oral extract administration.[15]
Anti-Diabetic and Hypolipidemic Efficacy
Corroborating the classical indication for Prameha (urinary and metabolic syndromes), the herb exerts systemic anti-diabetic and metabolic regulation.
- Mechanism: Extracts stimulate pancreatic β-cell insulin secretion, reduce hepatic glucose output, and competitively inhibit intestinal α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes.
- Scientific Evidence: Preclinical studies show that continuous administration results in significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels, accompanied by improved cellular antioxidant status in pancreatic and vascular beds.[16]
Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage
- Acute Toxicity: Phyllanthus amarus demonstrates a remarkably high margin of safety. Acute and subacute animal toxicity studies report no adverse mortality or behavioral alterations at oral doses exceeding 2,000–5,000 mg/kg body weight.[17]
- Precautions: Due to historical emmenagogue associations at excessive concentrations, caution is advised during early pregnancy unless supervised by an experienced practitioner.
- Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
- Whole Plant Powder (Churna): 3–6 g daily in divided doses.
- Fresh Plant Juice (Swarasa): 10–20 ml twice daily before meals.
- Standardized Extract: 250–500 mg twice daily.
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatotoxicity & Hepatitis | Phyllanthin, Hypophyllanthin, Corilagin | Hepatic cytoprotection, DNA polymerase inhibition, GSH restoration |
| Renal Calculi (Urolithiasis) | Ellagitannins, Alkaloids, Flavonoids | Crystal anti-adherence, Diuresis, Uric acid clearance |
| Metabolic Syndrome / Prameha | Quercetin, Astragalin, Lignans | α-glucosidase inhibition, Insulin stimulation, Lipid lowering |
| Chronic Inflammation | Niranthin, Geraniin, Rutin | NF-κB inhibition, COX-2 down-regulation, Cytokine suppression |
References
- ↑ The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. 1 (Part I ed.). Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India. 1986. p. 70.
- ↑ The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. 1 (Part I ed.). Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India. 1986. p. 70.
- ↑ Chunekar, K. C. (2020). Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Reprint ed.). Chaukhambha Bharati Academy. pp. Guduchyadi varga, verse 277.
- ↑ Chunekar, K. C. (2020). Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Reprint ed.). Chaukhambha Bharati Academy. pp. Guduchyadi varga, verse 277.
- ↑ Chunekar, K. C. (2020). Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Reprint ed.). Chaukhambha Bharati Academy. pp. Guduchyadi varga, verse 277.
- ↑ Chunekar, K. C. (2020). Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Reprint ed.). Chaukhambha Bharati Academy. pp. Guduchyadi varga, verse 277.
- ↑ Chunekar, K. C. (2020). Bhavaprakash Nighantu (Reprint ed.). Chaukhambha Bharati Academy. pp. Guduchyadi varga, verse 277.
- ↑ The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. 1 (Part I ed.). Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India. 1986. pp. 70–71.
- ↑ The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. 1 (Part I ed.). Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India. 1986. p. 71.
- ↑ The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. 1 (Part I ed.). Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India. 1986. p. 71.
- ↑ Pramyothin, P.; Ngamtin, C.; Poungrickhyo, S.; Suttisri, R. (2007). "Hepatoprotective activity of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn. extract in ethanol-treated rats: in vitro and in vivo studies". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 112 (3): 452–458.
- ↑ Thyagarajan, S. P.; Subramanian, S.; Thirunalasundari, T.; Venkateswaran, P. S.; Blumberg, B. S. (1988). "Effect of Phyllanthus amarus on chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus". Lancet. 2 (8614): 764–766.
- ↑ Lee, C. D.; Ott, M.; Thyagarajan, S. P.; Shafritz, D. A.; Burk, R. D.; Gupta, S. (1996). "Phyllanthus amarus down-regulates hepatitis B virus mRNA transcription and inhibits HBV polymerase activity". European Journal of Clinical Investigation. 26 (12): 1069–1076.
- ↑ Freitas, A. M.; Schor, N.; Boim, M. A. (2002). "The effect of Phyllanthus niruri on urinary inhibitors of calcium oxalate crystallization and skeletal retention of 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate". BJU International. 89 (9): 829–834.
- ↑ Kassuya, C. A. L.; Silvestre, A.; Menezes-de-Lima, O.; Marotta, D. M.; Rehder, V. L. G.; Calixto, J. B. (2006). "Antiinflammatory and antiallodynic actions of the lignan niranthin isolated from Phyllanthus amarus". European Journal of Pharmacology. 546 (1-3): 182–188.
- ↑ Adeneye, A. A.; Amole, O. O.; Adeneye, A. K. (2006). "Hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic activities of the aqueous leaf and seed extract of Phyllanthus amarus in mice". Fitoterapia. 77 (7-8): 511–514.
- ↑ Patel, J. R.; Tripathi, P.; Sharma, V.; Chauhan, N. S.; Dixit, V. K. (2011). "Phyllanthus amarus: ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology: a review". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 138 (2): 286–313.