Bhumyamalaki
Phyllanthus fraternus
Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus fraternus) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Significant hepatic first-pass metabolism of lignans. Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) improve lignan bioavailability by 2-3 fold. Phospholipid complexes (phytosomes) of Bhumyamalaki extract show enhanced hepatoprotective efficacy.
| Botanical name | Phyllanthus fraternus |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. I: TAMALAKI (Root, Stem & Leaf) |
| Also called | Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn. (reported in the literature) Phyllanthus niruri L. (misapplied name) |
| Family | Phyllanthaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5381498 · Wikidata Q15451978 · NCBI Taxonomy 427278 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Bhumyamalaki |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Tikta, Kashaya, Madhura | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Tablet, Capsule, Kashayam (decoction), Swarasa (fresh juice), Syrup, Kwath Ghana (solid extract)
Standard Dosage: 3-6g powder twice daily; 500mg standardized extract capsule twice daily; 10-20ml juice; 50-100ml decoction twice daily for hepatic conditions
Bioavailability: Phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin show moderate oral bioavailability (25-35%). Significant hepatic first-pass metabolism of lignans. Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) improve lignan bioavailability by 2-3 fold. Phospholipid complexes (phytosomes) of Bhumyamalaki extract show enhanced hepatoprotective efficacy. Administration with warm water provides optimal absorption.
Optimal Timing: Before meals on empty stomach for hepatoprotective effect; morning and evening for viral hepatitis support; with warm water
Standardized Extract: Whole plant extract standardized to phyllanthin NLT 2% and hypophyllanthin NLT 0.5%; total bitter principles NLT 4%. Aqueous extract 10:1 ratio for decoction concentrates.
Shelf Life: 2 years (powder); 3 years (tablet/capsule); 1 year (syrup with preservative)
Storage: Cool, dry place away from light and moisture. Capsules in blister packs. Syrup in amber glass bottles. Temperature below 30°C.
Marker Compounds: Phyllanthin, Hypophyllanthin, Niranthin, Phyltetralin, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Corilagin, Quercetin, Astragalin
Extraction Methods
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30 ethanol:water) for lignan-rich extract
- Aqueous decoction for traditional use
- Ethyl acetate extraction for phyllanthin isolation
- Supercritical CO2 for lipophilic lignan concentration
- Spray drying for stable powder extract
Synergistic Combinations
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