Known in ayurvedic medicine as phyllanthus, qubra pedra or chanca piedra as it is more commonly referred to as is a tropical plant that is often called “kidney stone tree”; although it is in fact an herb and not a tree. The aboveground parts of the plant are used medicinally.

Chanca piedra remains a recommendation among many for the treatment of kidney problems in both humans and animals.

A number of compounds in the herb are also being investigated as antiviral treatments for HIV and Hepatitis B. A study conducted by Chinese researchers in 2001 concluded that chanca piedra was 83% as effective as a leading drug used to treat Hepatitis B.

Chanca piedra has also been shown to hold pain-relieving properties. Researchers in Brazil discovered a plant chemical contained within chanca piedra to be seven times more powerful than aspirin or acetaminophen in mice.

Chanca piedra can be used to treat the following conditions:

Kidney stones - Translated in Portuguese, quebra pedra or chanca piedra means stone breaker”. For years, the herb has been used to treat urinary tract infections and kidney stones throughout tropical South America. In Germany, a physician by the name of Wolfram Wiemann gave chanca piedra to more than 100 people with kidney stones and found that the stones were eliminated within two weeks in 94 percent of these people. He concluded that the only side effect was cramping during the passage of the stones in a few people. Further research in Brazil has confirmed that chemicals in chance piedra prevent calcium crystals from entering kidney cells.

Diabetes - In India, clinical trials with small numbers have found that blood-sugar levels in people with diabetes can be lowered in a week's time with chanca piedra. The herb's ability to prevent long-term complications within the eyes and central nervous system are perhaps it's greatest attribute in treating this condition. In Japan, researchers have found chance piedra to contain inhibitors of aldose reductase, which is an enzyme that converts glucose to a nerve toxin that destroys nerve tissues in the process of diabetic neuropathy.

High blood pressure - In 60 percent of people with primary hypertension, a certain chain reaction that raises the kidneys' production of the enzyme angiotensin II, which causes the arteries to constrict and raise blood pressure is initiated when the amount of sodium (salt) in the blood is raised. Scientists in Toyama University have isolated a compound from chanca piedra that acts on the kidneys as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which reverses this effect. In those who are salt-sensitive, this action is especially effective in lowering blood pressure.

You can find chanca piedra in tablet, capsule, tincture and tea form.

* Important notes: It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using Chanca Piedra or any alternative therapies. Any recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.