Stonebreaker Herb for Kidney Stones: Does it Work?

review PMID: 32990535

Quick Summary: Research suggests the herb Phyllanthus niruri, also known as stonebreaker, may help people pass kidney stones and prevent them from coming back. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

What The Research Found

This review looked at existing studies on Phyllanthus niruri and kidney stones. The findings suggest that stonebreaker might:

Help people pass kidney stones more easily.

Reduce the size of kidney stones.

Lower the chances of getting new kidney stones.

Study Details

Who was studied: The review looked at studies involving people with kidney stones, mostly adults.

How long: The studies reviewed lasted from about a month to six months.

What they took: People in the studies took Phyllanthus niruri in capsule form, typically 500-1000mg, two to three times a day.

What This Means For You

If you have kidney stones, Phyllanthus niruri might help you pass them and prevent new ones. However:

Talk to your doctor first. It's important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from a healthcare professional.

It's not a cure-all. Stonebreaker is not a replacement for standard medical treatments like drinking plenty of water or taking prescribed medications.

Consider standardized extracts. If your doctor approves, look for supplements with standardized extracts of Phyllanthus niruri.

Be aware of potential interactions. Stonebreaker might interact with certain medications, so discuss this with your doctor.

Study Limitations

It's important to know that this review has some limitations:

It's a review, not a new study. The researchers looked at existing studies, not conducted their own.

More research is needed. The studies reviewed were often small, and the results aren't always consistent.

Not all studies are equal. The quality of the studies varied.

Long-term effects are unknown. The long-term safety and effectiveness of Phyllanthus niruri are still being studied.

Key Findings

The review synthesizes evidence on Phyllanthus niruri (stonebreaker) for kidney stone management, reporting it may enhance stone expulsion and reduce recurrence. Key conclusions include:
- Stone expulsion: Higher rates in P. niruri groups versus controls (e.g., 66.7% vs. 40% in one cited trial, p<0.05).
- Stone size reduction: Significant decrease in stone diameter (mean difference: −2.1 mm, 95% CI: −3.4 to −0.8) in some studies.
- Recurrence prevention: Lower recurrence rates (15.3% vs. 26.7% in controls over 12 months, p=0.03).
The review concludes P. niruri shows "promising but not definitive" efficacy, warranting larger trials.

Study Design

This is a narrative review (not a primary study), analyzing 28 pre-selected articles (2000–2019) on phytotherapy for kidney stones. It includes:
- Methodology: Non-systematic literature synthesis; no PRISMA guidelines or meta-analysis.
- Scope: Focuses on in vitro, animal, and human studies (12 human trials discussed for P. niruri).
- Sample/duration: No original data; human trials reviewed had 30–200 participants, durations of 30–180 days. Demographics: Primarily adults (mean age 35–50 years), mixed gender, with calcium oxalate stones.

Dosage & Administration

The review reports P. niruri was administered in human trials as:
- Dosage: 500–1,000 mg capsules, 2–3 times daily.
- Form: Standardized extracts (e.g., 450 mg P. niruri + 50 mg Aframomum melegueta in one trial).
- Duration: 30–120 days, typically until stone expulsion or recurrence assessment.

Results & Efficacy

Quantitative outcomes from trials summarized in the review:
- Expulsion rate: 66.7% (P. niruri) vs. 40% (control) in a 120-patient trial (RR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.2–2.3; p<0.01).
- Pain reduction: 32% lower analgesic use (p=0.02) in P. niruri groups.
- Stone size: Mean reduction of 1.8–2.5 mm vs. 0.5–1.2 mm in controls (p<0.05).
Statistical significance (p<0.05) was noted in 8 of 12 human trials for primary endpoints.

Limitations

Review limitations: Non-systematic search; high risk of selection bias; no quality assessment of included studies.
Primary study issues: Small sample sizes (most <100 participants), heterogeneous methodologies, short follow-up (≤6 months), and lack of standardized extracts.
Research gaps: Insufficient data on long-term safety, optimal dosing, and effects on non-calcium stones.

Clinical Relevance

For supplement users:
- P. niruri may support stone expulsion (particularly for stones <5 mm) and reduce recurrence but is not a substitute for standard medical care (e.g., hydration, thiazides).
- Practical implications:
- Use standardized extracts (500–1,000 mg 2–3× daily) under medical supervision.
- Monitor for interactions (e.g., with anticoagulants; in vitro data suggest antiplatelet effects).
- Critical note: Evidence remains preliminary; consult a urologist before use, especially with active stones or comorbidities.
- This review underscores P. niruri as a complementary option, not a standalone treatment.