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Limited evidenceGeneral health

Chanca Piedra

The 'stone breaker' does not break stones. The best trial found no overall benefit after lithotripsy (93.5% vs 83.3% stone-free, p=0.48) and only a positive subgroup for lower-pole stones; a meta-analysis could find just two eligible studies.

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What the science says

  • Stone clearance after shock wave lithotripsy Limited evidence

    In 150 patients treated with ESWL for calcium oxalate stones up to 25 mm, adding Phyllanthus niruri 2 g/day for at least 3 months produced a 180-day stone-free rate of 93.5% versus 83.3% in controls — not statistically significant (p=0.48). The commonly quoted positive result is a subgroup: among the 56 patients with lower calyceal stones, 93.7% versus 70.8% were stone-free (p=0.01). That is an unblinded subgroup finding, exactly the kind of result that often fails to replicate.

  • Overall clinical evidence base Limited evidence

    A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis found only two controlled human studies with usable data. Pooled results showed modest reductions in stone size (SMD -0.39, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.09) and stone number (SMD -0.38). The same paper documented that US public search interest in chanca piedra has overtaken interest in ESWL and PCNL — popularity that has badly outrun the evidence.

  • It does not dissolve existing stones Limited evidence

    The proposed mechanism is inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal nucleation, growth and aggregation, demonstrated in vitro and in rodent hyperoxaluria models. No study has shown a human stone shrinking or dissolving on chanca piedra. Established prevention — fluid intake above 2.5 L/day, potassium citrate, thiazides where indicated — has far stronger evidence and should not be replaced.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe ESWL trial used a standardised P. niruri extract at 2 g/day for 3 months. Commercial capsules are usually 400-800 mg taken two to three times daily; traditional teas use 1-3 g of dried aerial parts. No preventive dose has been validated.
SafetyWell tolerated in trials — the ESWL study recorded no side effects over 3 months. Phyllanthus species have documented hypotensive and hypoglycemic effects, so additive effects with antihypertensives and diabetes medication are plausible; monitor if you take either. Mild antiplatelet activity has been reported in vitro, so use caution with anticoagulants and before surgery. Avoid in pregnancy — several Phyllanthus species have traditional abortifacient use and none have been studied in pregnancy. Practical warning: renal colic, obstructing stones, and stones above roughly 5 mm need urological assessment, not a herbal supplement. Not banned in sport.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter; split the dose across the day if you take capsules.
With food?Either way.
Worth knowingDrink enough water that your urine stays pale — hydration is the part of stone prevention with real evidence behind it.

Interactions

With medications

  • blood pressure medication

    Phyllanthus has documented hypotensive effects that add to antihypertensives. monitor blood pressure, especially in the first weeks

  • insulin, sulfonylureas and other diabetes medication

    Additive blood-glucose lowering. monitor glucose

  • warfarin, DOACs and antiplatelets

    Mild antiplatelet activity reported in vitro adds to bleeding risk. discuss with your prescriber and stop two weeks before surgery

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does chanca piedra dissolve kidney stones?

No. No study has shown a human kidney stone shrinking or dissolving on chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri); the crystal-inhibiting mechanism comes from test-tube and rodent work. Established prevention such as drinking more than 2.5 L of fluid a day has far stronger evidence.

Does chanca piedra help after lithotripsy?

The evidence is limited: in 150 patients after shock wave lithotripsy, chanca piedra at 2 g/day gave a stone-free rate of 93.5% versus 83.3% in controls, which was not statistically significant. The often-quoted positive result is an unblinded subgroup with lower-pole stones.

How much chanca piedra should I take?

The lithotripsy trial used a standardised chanca piedra extract at 2 g/day for 3 months; commercial capsules are usually 400-800 mg two to three times daily. No preventive dose of chanca piedra has been validated.

Is chanca piedra safe with blood pressure or diabetes medication?

Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus) has documented blood-pressure- and glucose-lowering effects, so monitor if you take antihypertensives or diabetes medication, and use caution with anticoagulants. Avoid it in pregnancy, and get renal colic or larger stones assessed by a urologist rather than self-treating.

Scientific references

Where to buy

Advanced Orthomolecular Research AOR, Chanca Piedra, 500 mg , 90 Capsules

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