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 mechanism: inhibition of hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase, preventing viral replication; also demonstrated 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: phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin modulate P-glycoprotein efflux and sensitize resistant cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

• Antilithiatic (kidney stone breaking) activity validated through clinical trials showing reduced stone recurrence, confirming premier traditional use as Pashanabheda (stone breaker)
• Hepatoprotective and antiviral (Hepatitis B) properties extensively validated through in vitro and clinical studies, confirming traditional use in liver diseases (Yakrit Vikara)
• Anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties validated through multiple pharmacological studies, confirming traditional Ayurvedic uses in urinary and inflammatory conditions

What do recent clinical trials 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.

1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. 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

Bioavailability: Phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin show moderate oral bioavailability (~25-35%) due to moderate lipophilicity and significant hepatic first-pass metabolism via CYP3A4. Bioavailability improves with piperine co-administration (up to 1.5-fold increase). Lignans are well absorbed from GI tract but undergo extensive glucuronidation. Tannins may bind to proteins reducing availability of co-administered compounds.

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

Standardized Extract: Standardized aqueous or hydroethanolic extract containing minimum 2.0% phyllanthin and 1.0% hypophyllanthin by HPLC; total tannins >8% (as gallic acid equivalent)

Shelf Life: Fresh juice: 24-48 hours refrigerated; Powder: 12 months; Dry extract capsules: 24-36 months; Syrup: 18 months

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

Extraction Methods

• Hydroethanolic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
• Aqueous decoction
• Maceration in methanol for lignan enrichment
• Supercritical CO2 extraction for phyllanthin-rich fraction
• Spray drying of aqueous extract for instant formulations

Synergistic Combinations

• Bhumi Amalaki (Phyllanthus niruri) - hepatoprotective synergy
• Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa) - enhanced hepatoprotection
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) - immunomodulatory potentiation
• Bhumyamalaki + Kalmegh (Andrographis) - complementary liver support