Chanca Piedra

traditional use for kidney stones and urinary tract support

Traditional useInteraction riskNeeds more research

Chanca Piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) is a tropical plant traditionally used for kidney stones and urinary tract health, with emerging scientific interest.

Chanca Piedra, scientifically known as Phyllanthus niruri, is a plant native to tropical regions, including the Amazon rainforest. It has a long history of traditional use in various folk medicine systems for a range of ailments, particularly those related to the urinary system. The name "Chanca Piedra" translates from Spanish as "stone breaker" or "stone crusher," reflecting its traditional application for kidney stones and gallstones. While widely used in traditional practices, scientific research into its efficacy and mechanisms is still emerging. It is often consumed as a tea or in supplement form.

Quick answer

What it is: Chanca Piedra, scientifically known as Phyllanthus niruri, is a plant native to tropical regions, including the Amazon rainforest.

May support:Kidney Stones

Evidence Summary

The current evidence for Chanca Piedra's efficacy is primarily based on traditional use, anecdotal reports, and a limited number of in vitro and animal studies. There is a significant lack of robust, high-quality human clinical trials to definitively establish its effectiveness for any specific condition.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

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Why It Works

Limited research suggests Chanca Piedra may influence urinary stone formation by affecting crystal aggregation, smooth muscle relaxation, and urine composition, though specific mechanisms are not fully elucidated.

How it works in more detail

The potential mechanisms of Chanca Piedra are not fully understood but may involve several pathways. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest it could inhibit the growth and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals, a common component of kidney stones. It may also possess diuretic properties, potentially increasing urine flow and aiding in the expulsion of small stones. Furthermore, some research indicates it might relax the smooth muscles of the urinary tract, which could help in passing stones and reducing associated pain. Other proposed mechanisms include modulating urinary pH and altering the concentration of stone-forming substances in the urine. However, these mechanisms require further investigation in human studies.

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Typical forms

Tea, Capsule, Tincture, Powder

Medication interactions

Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
Antidiabetic drugs
Antihypertensive drugs (blood pressure medications)
Diuretics

Avoid if

Pregnant or breastfeeding (due to lack of safety data)
Taking blood-thinning medications (potential interaction)
Diabetic (may affect blood sugar levels)
Hypotensive (may lower blood pressure)

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Active medicinal compounds

Key active compounds identified in Chanca Piedra include lignans (e.g., phyllanthine, hypophyllanthine), tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and triterpenes. These compounds are believed to contribute to its traditional medicinal properties.

Traditional use

Chanca Piedra has been used for centuries in various traditional medicine systems, particularly in South America and India (where it's known as Bhumi Amla). It is traditionally employed for kidney stones, gallstones, urinary tract infections, liver conditions, and digestive issues. Its name, "stone breaker," directly reflects its primary traditional application.

Safety

Safety warnings

While generally considered safe for short-term use in traditional practices, long-term safety data for Chanca Piedra is limited. Potential side effects may include gastrointestinal upset. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Avoid if

Pregnant or breastfeeding (due to lack of safety data)
Taking blood-thinning medications (potential interaction)
Diabetic (may affect blood sugar levels)
Hypotensive (may lower blood pressure)

Medication interactions

Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
Antidiabetic drugs
Antihypertensive drugs (blood pressure medications)
Diuretics

Reported side effects

Gastrointestinal upset

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

No indexed evidence yet. We're still building out this remedy's evidence ecosystem.

Limitations: Key limitations include the absence of large-scale, placebo-controlled human clinical trials. Most available studies are preclinical (in vitro or animal models) or small, uncontrolled human observations, which cannot provide conclusive evidence of efficacy or safety in humans. Standardization of plant extracts and dosages is also a challenge.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

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