Tamalaki

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Tamalaki
Latin/Botanical	Phyllanthus niruri L. / Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Phyllanthin (major lignan)
• Hypophyllanthin (lignan)
• Phyltetralin (lignan)
• Niranthin (lignan)
• Gallic acid
• Ellagic acid
• Quercetin and rutin
• Geraniin (ellagitannin)
• Corilagin
• Alkaloids (securinine, norsecurinine)

How does it work?

• Antiviral: studies have reported inhibition of hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase and activity against HIV reverse transcriptase
• Hepatoprotective mechanism through Nrf2 pathway activation upregulating antioxidant defense enzymes, combined with NF-kB and MAPK pathway modulation reducing hepatic inflammation
• Antilithiatic mechanism through inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal formation and growth, combined with diuretic and uricosuric actions reducing stone-forming potential
• Anticancer synergy: in a cell-line study, phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin increased the effect of doxorubicin against resistant breast cancer cells

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

• Traditionally used as a Pashanabheda (stone breaker) for kidney stones. Clinical studies have reported reduced stone recurrence.
• Traditionally used in liver diseases (Yakrit Vikara). In vitro and clinical studies have reported hepatoprotective and antiviral (Hepatitis B) activity.
• Traditionally used in Ayurveda for urinary and inflammatory conditions. Pharmacological studies have reported anti-inflammatory and diuretic activity.

What do recent studies show?

• Dhawan S, Olweny EO 2020. Phyllanthus niruri (stone breaker) herbal therapy for kidney stones; a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical efficacy, and Google Trends analysis of public interest. The Canadian journal of urology. PMID 32333735
  Systematic review and meta-analysis provided limited but supportive clinical evidence for modest efficacy in reducing kidney stone burden, with one RCT showing 62% reduction in stone recurrence with 500 mg twice daily over 12 months.
• Abdel-Sattar OE, Allam RM, Al-Abd AM and others 2023. Hypophyllanthin and Phyllanthin from Phyllanthus niruri Synergize Doxorubicin Anticancer Properties against Resistant Breast Cancer Cells. ACS omega. PMID 37576627 · doi:10.1021/acsomega.3c02953
  Demonstrated synergistic anticancer activity of phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin with doxorubicin against resistant breast cancer cell lines, suggesting potential as chemotherapy adjuvants.

Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

• Generally well-tolerated in clinical studies at doses up to 500 mg twice daily for 12 months; mild GI effects (nausea, diarrhea) reported occasionally; hypoglycemic potential requires monitoring in diabetic patients on medication
• Rare reports of allergic reactions; should be used cautiously during pregnancy due to traditional abortifacient reputation of some Phyllanthus species; potential herb-drug interactions with anticoagulants and antihypertensive medications

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet, Kwatha (decoction), Svarasa (fresh juice), Dry extract capsule, Syrup

Standard Dosage: 3-6 g powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 10-20 mL fresh juice once daily

Optimal Timing: Before meals on empty stomach for hepatoprotective effect; morning administration preferred for diuretic action

Storage: Store in airtight containers at 15-25 deg C, protected from light and moisture. Fresh juice must be refrigerated at 2-8 deg C and used within 48 hours.

Marker Compounds: Phyllanthin, Hypophyllanthin, Niranthin, Phyltetralin, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Corilagin, Quercetin

Synergistic Combinations

• Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa) - enhanced hepatoprotection
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) - immunomodulatory potentiation
• Kalmegh (Andrographis) - complementary liver support