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Phyllanthus niruri normalizes elevated urinary calcium levels in calcium stone forming (CSF) patients
J L Nishiura1, A H Campos, M A Boim
1Nephrology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Rua Botucatu, 740 Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP 04023-900, Brazil.
Urological Research
|June 29, 2004
Summary
Phyllanthus niruri may help reduce urinary calcium in individuals with hypercalciuria, a common cause of kidney stones. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for calcium stone formers.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Phytotherapy
- Urology
Background:
- Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri) is traditionally used in Brazil for urinary calculi.
- Calcium stone formation (CSF) is a prevalent condition requiring effective management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the in vivo effect of P. niruri on 24-hour urinary biochemical parameters in patients with calcium stone formation.
- To assess P. niruri's impact on urinary calcium, magnesium, and other relevant metabolites in CSF patients.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 69 CSF patients over 3 months.
- Patients received either P. niruri (450 mg capsules, three times daily) or a placebo.
- 24-hour urinary biochemical parameters and blood metabolites were analyzed at baseline and study end, with subset analysis for metabolic abnormalities.
Main Results:
- Overall, P. niruri did not significantly alter most urinary parameters, except for a slight, non-clinically significant reduction in urinary magnesium.
- A significant reduction in mean urinary calcium was observed in hypercalciuric patients following P. niruri intake (P<0.05).
- No significant differences in calculi voiding or pain relief were detected between P. niruri and placebo groups in this short-term study.
Conclusions:
- P. niruri intake demonstrates a potential to reduce urinary calcium levels, particularly in patients with hypercalciuria.
- Larger clinical trials focusing on primary hypercalciuric stone formers are warranted to confirm these findings and explore clinical implications.