Phyllanthus Mairei
Also known as: Phyllanthus mairei, stonebreaker, chanca piedra
Overview
Phyllanthus mairei is a species within the diverse *Phyllanthus* genus, widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. While the genus is renowned for its rich phytochemical profile, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and lignans, specific high-quality research on *P. mairei* itself is limited. Most scientific studies and traditional uses, such as for liver protection, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and anticancer applications, are primarily attributed to closely related species like *Phyllanthus niruri* and *Phyllanthus amarus*. *P. mairei* is considered an herbal supplement, traditionally used in ethnomedicine, and is believed to share some of the beneficial compounds found in its relatives, such as hypophyllanthin and phyllanthin, which have shown cytotoxic and chemomodulatory effects in cancer cell lines. The overall research maturity for the *Phyllanthus* genus is moderate, with robust evidence for some species, but direct evidence for *P. mairei* remains scarce, necessitating caution when extrapolating findings.
Benefits
While direct, high-quality evidence for *Phyllanthus mairei* is limited, benefits are largely extrapolated from well-researched related species within the *Phyllanthus* genus. *Phyllanthus niruri* extracts have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in a meta-analysis, supporting traditional use for reducing inflammation and accelerating wound healing. *Phyllanthus amarus* has shown hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties in animal models, effectively reducing paracetamol-induced liver toxicity. Furthermore, compounds like hypophyllanthin and phyllanthin, isolated from *P. niruri*, exhibit moderate cytotoxicity and synergize with doxorubicin against multidrug-resistant breast cancer cells by enhancing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Secondary effects observed in related species include antiangiogenic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and antiviral activities. These findings suggest potential benefits for individuals with liver diseases, inflammatory conditions, and certain cancers, although clinical trials with adequate sample sizes specifically for *P. mairei* are needed to confirm these effects and their clinical significance.
How it works
The proposed mechanisms of action for *Phyllanthus mairei*, largely inferred from related *Phyllanthus* species, involve a range of biological pathways. Its anti-inflammatory effects are thought to occur through the modulation of adipocytokines and the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Antioxidant properties are attributed to free radical scavenging. Anticancer effects are suggested to involve the induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and the inhibition of metastasis pathways, specifically targeting ERK, MAPK, and NFκB signaling. The active compounds are believed to interact with key molecular targets such as Caspase-3, telomerase, ERK1/2, hypoxia-inducible factors, and NFκB signaling pathways. These actions primarily affect the immune system, hepatic function, and cancer cell signaling. Absorption and bioavailability data for *P. mairei* are limited, but are likely influenced by the specific phytochemical composition and the method of extraction.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of *Phyllanthus mairei* is not well-documented in rigorous clinical studies, making it difficult to provide a comprehensive assessment. While generally considered safe in traditional use, robust clinical safety data are limited. There are no well-documented common (>5%), uncommon (1-5%), or rare (<1%) side effects reported in high-quality studies specifically for *P. mairei*. Potential drug interactions are a concern, particularly with chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin, due to the observed chemomodulatory effects of compounds found in related species; caution is advised if used concurrently. Contraindications are not well-defined due to the lack of data, but caution is recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those with pre-existing liver impairment. Specific safety data for children and patients with chronic diseases are also lacking, meaning its use in these populations should be approached with extreme caution or avoided until more research is available.
Dosage
Optimal dosage guidelines for *Phyllanthus mairei* have not been established due to the scarcity of specific research. The minimum effective dose, optimal dosage ranges, and maximum safe dose remain undefined. Dosage information for related species varies widely across studies, often using extracts standardized to active compounds. Traditional use typically involves daily dosing, but specific timing considerations are not defined. The form of administration, such as extracts (methanol, aqueous) or isolated compounds (hypophyllanthin, phyllanthin), can significantly influence absorption and bioavailability. No specific cofactors are reported to be required for its efficacy. Without robust clinical data, it is not possible to provide precise recommendations for *P. mairei* dosage, and any use should be approached with caution.
FAQs
Is *Phyllanthus mairei* effective for liver protection?
Direct evidence for *Phyllanthus mairei*'s liver protective effects is lacking. However, related species like *P. amarus* have shown hepatoprotective effects in animal models, suggesting potential, but clinical validation for *P. mairei* is needed.
Can *Phyllanthus mairei* be used safely with chemotherapy?
Some compounds from related *Phyllanthus* species have shown in vitro potential to potentiate chemotherapy. However, clinical safety and interaction data for *P. mairei* with chemotherapy are insufficient, so caution is advised.
How quickly do benefits appear with *Phyllanthus mairei*?
Preclinical studies on related *Phyllanthus* species suggest effects may be observed within days to weeks. However, there are no clinical data available to determine the time course of benefits for *Phyllanthus mairei* in humans.
Is *Phyllanthus mairei* safe for long-term use?
Safety data for *Phyllanthus mairei* are insufficient to confirm its safety for long-term use. Most research focuses on short-term preclinical models or related species, and robust clinical safety trials are needed.
Research Sources
- https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/biosaintifika/article/download/10823/1490/37901 – This meta-analysis on *P. niruri* (a related species) found significant anti-inflammatory effects, supporting its traditional use. The study highlights the potential of the genus for anti-inflammatory applications, though it notes heterogeneity in study designs and species-specific effects.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9660160/ – This systematic review on *P. amarus* (another related species) documented its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and antiviral activities. While comprehensive, it notes that most findings are from preclinical studies, with limited clinical trials.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.3c02953 – This in vitro study investigated the cytotoxicity of hypophyllanthin and phyllanthin from *P. niruri* against breast cancer cell lines. It found moderate cytotoxicity and synergistic effects with doxorubicin, inducing apoptosis, but emphasizes these are in vitro findings without clinical data.