Currently, Phyllanthus amarus is a topic that has gained great relevance in various areas of society. From politics to popular culture, Phyllanthus amarus has become a point of constant interest and debate. Over time, interest in Phyllanthus amarus has increased, leading to deeper research and the generation of discussions around its importance and repercussions. In this article, we will explore different perspectives and approaches related to Phyllanthus amarus, in order to offer a broader and more detailed vision on this topic that is so relevant today.
Phyllanthus amarus | |
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P. amarus from Thailand | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Malpighiales |
Family: | Phyllanthaceae |
Genus: | Phyllanthus |
Species: | P. amarus
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Binomial name | |
Phyllanthus amarus |
Phyllanthus amarus is a leafy herbal plant found in tropical regions in the Americas, Africa, India, China,Sri Lanka and South East Asia. Commons names for this plant include gale of the wind, carry me seed, seed on the leaf, pick-a-back, Bhuiavla (Hindi), Bhuiamla (Bengali), stonebreaker, dukung anak (Malay).
P. amarus is a small, annual plant that grows to a height of 30–60 cm. Its thin branches spread out, and each branch has two rows of small, elliptic-oblong leaves of 5-10mm long that are arranged alternately. Its radial flowers are star-shaped and of about 2mm in size. It grows well in soil of high moisture with light shade, and reaches maturity in 2–3 months.
P. amarus contains flavonoids (quercetin-3-0-glucoside and rutin), tannins (geraniin, amariin and gallocatechin) and alkaloids (phyllantine, quinolizidine type, securinine, norsecurinine, isobubbialine and epibubbialine).
P. amarus has been used in the traditional medicine of various cultures, including Amazonian tribes for the treatment of gallstones and kidney stones; in Ayurvedic and සිංහල වෙදකම (Sinhala) medicine for bronchitis, anaemia, diabetes; and in Malay traditional medicine for diarrhoea, kidney ailments and gonorrhea. More recently there have been preclinical and clinical studies looking into the plant's supposed liver-protective abilities and effect on hepatitis B.
According to animal tests, it has hepatic protection against paracetamol hepatoxicity in rats.