Bhumi Amla: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

Introduction

Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri) is a small annual herb that is native to tropical regions, such as Southern India, South East Asia, and China, and the Amazon rainforest. It grows up to 30-40 cm in height. It has alternate and oblong leaves that are 7-12 cm long, with tiny greenish-white solitary flowers that do not have petals¹.  

This herb belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and has a wide range of uses. The extract of this plant is widely used around the world for conditions including bronchitis, urinary issues, anaemia, leprosy, and asthma².  

Nutritional Value of Bhumi Amla

Bhumi amla has the following nutritional value³: 

• Sodium: 1947 ppm 
• Ferric: 665 ppm 
• Potassium: 18252 ppm 
• Phosphorus: 6978 ppm 
• Calcium: 2911 ppm 
• Manganese: 94 ppm 
• Magnesium: 2914 ppm 
• Zinc: 37 ppm 
• Copper: 12 ppm 
• Vitamin A: 812.78 µg/100g 
• Vitamin B6: 0.234 mg/100g 
• Vitamin D: 34.79 µg/100g 
• Vitamin E: 57.18 mg/100g 
• Vitamin K: 19.83 mg/100g 

Uses of Bhumi Amla

• For jaundice, whole plant juice is advised. Fresh milk combined with powdered roots can also be taken in the morning as it may help in the treatment of jaundice.  
• Whole plant juice is used for treating menorrhoea, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, and other urinary problems. 
• The leaves can be mashed with salt and used as a topical treatment for skin ailments.  
• For chest pain and diabetes, the plant decoction proves quite beneficial.  
• Ulcers may be treated with a decoction of leaves or roots.  
• Wounds and ulcers are treated using a mixture of the plant’s dried powder and gruel water. 
• This plant’s extract has been traditionally used for hepatitis and may also help in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). 

Bhumi amla is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, antioxidant, blood sugar-lowering, blood pressure-lowering, hepatoprotective, and kidney stone-inhibiting properties. 

It is used as an ingredient in nearly 175 ayurvedic formulations, and the fruits of this plant are usually used to treat conditions like diarrhoea and haemorrhage. 

It’s also used to make chyawanprash, face lotion, hair oil dye, and tooth powder, among other health and beauty products².  

Benefits of Bhumi Amla

Several human and animal studies have explored the medicinal effects of bhumi amla, including the following: 

1. Benefits of Bhumi Amla Against HIV & Hepatitis B

• Bhumi amla is thought to act against the hepatitis B virus in several ways, including stopping it from making copies of its genetic material, which may help slow the virus’s spread in the body. 
• Studies show that bhumi amla extract may help protect certain human cells from damage caused by both types of HIV at the doses tested^4,5.  

2. Bhumi Amla For Kidney Stones & Excess Uric Acid

• The formation and growth of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney is a common cause of urinary stones. 
• Bhumi amla extract may slow crystal growth, reduce their formation, and alter their shape and surface texture, which may lower the risk of kidney stones. 
• The extract is also given to individuals with hypercalcaemia (excess calcium levels) as it lowers urine calcium levels and to individuals with hyperuricaemia (excess uric acid levels) as it lowers uric acid levels⁴.   

3. Anti-cancer Activity of Bhumi Amla

• Bhumi amla has a strong potential for inhibiting cancer cell development and growth. 
• It is believed to have cytoprotective (protecting the cells) impact on normal cells and cytotoxic (toxic to the cells) effect on pre-neoplastic or neoplastic cells. 
• For example, the extract of bhumi amla extract was found to be harmful to liver and colon cancer cells in lab tests^4,5.   

4. Wound-healing & Anti-ulcer Properties of Bhumi Amla

• According to a rat study⁶, the development of indomethacin-induced ulcers was significantly slowed when extracts of the herb were given orally. 
• Bhumi amla extract also prevents ethanol-induced stomach mucosal ulceration in rats and reverses the suppression of burn wound healing caused by dexamethasone.   

Based on some research and my observations, Bhumi amla (P. niruri) might aid in improving antioxidant levels along with stimulant activity in mild-to-moderate alcoholic patients⁷.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

How to Use Bhumi Amla?

Bhumi Amla can be used in many forms, such as juice, decoction, powder, and paste (topical application)².     

According to some studies⁸, Phyallanthus niruri (Bhumi amla) along with Emblica officinalis (Amla) and Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) have certain bioactive compounds (around 96) that might be potential COVID-19 microbial inhibitors. 

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Side Effects of Bhumi Amla

In general, studies have not reported major side effects in humans. When consumed under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner, bhumi amla is likely safe. Here are a few precautions to be taken when taking bhumi amla: 

• Bhumi amla may help to reduce blood sugar levels. However, people with diabetes or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and those taking blood sugar-altering medicines, herbs, or supplements should monitor their blood glucose levels.  
• Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking medicines that may enhance the risk of bleeding should exercise caution as there is an increased risk of bleeding and your doctor may need to modify the medicine dosage.  
• Bhumi amla has been linked to a drop in blood pressure. Therefore, people who are using blood pressure-lowering medications should exercise caution⁴.  

Precautions to Take When Taking Bhumi Amla

Use bhumi amla with caution if you: 

• Are driving or operating big machinery.   
• Have a liver condition.   
• Are taking diuretics, cholesterol-lowering medications, or immuno-modulators.   

Avoid taking bhumi amla, unless specifically advised by a qualified healthcare professional, if you: 

• Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or wanting to conceive.   
• Have a known allergy or intolerance to it or other medicines from the Euphorbiaceae family.   

Bhumi amla may cause anorexia, chills, diarrhoea, disturbed sleep, fatigue, dizziness, enlarged lymph nodes, hives, fever, headache, increased sodium, potassium, and chloride in the urine, increased urine volume, lung disease, joint pain, malaise (discomfort), skin prickling, muscle pain, nausea, rash, and sore mouth⁴.   

Interaction With Other Drugs

Drug interactions of bhumi amla:   

• Bhumi amla may help to reduce blood sugar levels. People who take diabetes medications or insulin by mouth should be closely monitored by a skilled healthcare professional as they may need to adjust their medicines.     
• When combined with medications that raise the risk of bleeding, bhumi amla may increase the risk of bleeding. 
• Bhumi amla may lower blood pressure. Therefore, people who are using blood pressure-lowering medications should monitor their blood pressure regularly.     
• Bhumi amla may exacerbate the sleepiness caused by some medications and alcohol. Driving or operating machinery should be done with caution.     
• Bhumi amla may interact with drugs used to treat inflammation, pain, or wounds; drugs that affect immune function; drugs that harm the liver; drugs that increase urine output; drugs that inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor, or endothelin; drugs that mimic acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter); drugs that protect against radiation; drugs that treat cancer⁴.   

Conclusion

Bhumi amla has been used in traditional systems of medicine for different health concerns. It has been valued for centuries as a natural aid for digestion, kidney health, and liver support. While it may offer certain benefits, it is best to use it under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure safety and suitability. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Bagalkotkar G, Sagineedu S, Saad M, Stanslas J. Phytochemicals from Phyllanthus niruri Linn. and their pharmacological properties: a review. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2006;58(12):1559-1570. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17331318/ 
2. Satya, A. & Narendra, Kumara & swathi, j & sowjanya, k.m. (2012). Phyllanthus niruri: A Review on its Ethno Botanical, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile. journal of pharmacy research. 5. 4681. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259758390_Phyllanthus_niruri_A_Review_on_its_Ethno_Botanical_Phytochemical_and_Pharmacological_Profile 
3. Olufayo O, Tayo G, Olumide M. Assessment of the nutritive value of Phyllanthus niruri Linn. (stonebreaker) leaves [Internet]. Ajol.info. 2022 [cited 8 February 2022]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354389036_Assessment_of_the_nutritive_value_of_Phyllanthus_niruri_Linn_stonebreaker_leaves
4. Kamruzzaman HM, Hoq O. A review on ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Phyllanthus niruri. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies. 2016;4(6):173-80. https://www.ayurpeter.de/wp-content/uploads/e43b07ec5d4c4194f04cda6104d68ca321f2.pdf 
5. Kaur N, Kaur B, Sirhindi G. Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Phyllanthus niruri L.: A Review. Phytotherapy Research. 2017;31(7):980-1004. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28512988/ 
6. Lee N, Khoo W, Adnan M, Mahalingam T, Fernandez A, Jeevaratnam K. The pharmacological potential of Phyllanthus niruri. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2016;68(8):953-969. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27283048/ 
7. Sowjanya K, Girish C, Bammigatti C, Prasanna Lakshmi NC. Efficacy of Phyllanthus niruri on improving liver functions in patients with alcoholic hepatitis: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Indian J Pharmacol. 2021 Nov-Dec;53(6):448-456. doi: 10.4103/ijp.IJP_540_20. PMID: 34975132; PMCID: PMC8764976. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8764976/
8. Murugesan S, Kottekad S, Crasta I, Sreevathsan S, Usharani D, Perumal MK, Mudliar SN. Targeting COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease through active phytocompounds of ayurvedic medicinal plants – Emblica officinalis (Amla), Phyllanthus niruri Linn. (Bhumi Amla) and Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) – A molecular docking and simulation study. Comput Biol Med. 2021 Sep;136:104683. doi: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104683. Epub 2021 Jul 24. PMID: 34329860; PMCID: PMC8302490. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8302490/

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