Phyllanthus niruri: Magical Ayurvedic herb for liver disease

Phyllanthus niruri is a common tropical herb of ayurveda that is used to treat various diseases since ancient times. However,it is primarily used to treat liver specifically liver cancer, hepatitis and kidney problems. In case of liver cancer, it can be used against proliferative nature of cancerous cells. It has anti-proliferative property that promotes caspase 3 induction and subsequently it triggers death of cancerous cells in liver. Similarly, it can be used in Hepatitis that is caused by the hepatitis viral infection primarily. It also consists antiviral property due to the presence of gallic acid and ellagic acid that inhibit DNA polymerase activity and inhibit virus proliferation. It is also known as stone breaker. Additionally, it can be used against inflammation, skin disorders, hyperglycemia, hypertension, malaria, hemolytic diseases and various bacterial diseases.Present review paper is an attempt to summarize the reported role of this magical herb in various diseases specifically liver and kidney related diseases.