A mini-review on therapeutic potentials of Phyllanthus niruri L.

Phyllanthus niruri Linn belongs to plant family Euphorbiaceae and is found in tropical and subtropical countries of the world including some regions of Sri Lanka and India. The extract of P. niruri Linn is the most commonly used medicine in Ayurveda system of medicine and has especially been recommended for the treatment of bronchitis, anaemia, skin diseases, asthma, cough, liver, kidney and urinary tract disorders. In the present study, an attempt was done to document the scientific investigations on phytochemicals and pharmacological activities of P. niruri Linn. According to the findings of P. niruri Linn, it shows potent pharmacological actions on hepatitis B virus, liver carcinoma, kidney stones and HIV. The available research suggested that P. niruri Linn has many beneficial health effects. However, human based data are sparse and conducting clinical trials will be necessary to prove more public health implications. These findings may be considered as clues to the development of novel pharmaceutical preparations from P. niruri Linn in future.