Evidence supporting the use of: Phyllanthus fraternus
For the health condition: Urinary Tract Infections
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Phyllanthus fraternus, commonly known as a close relative of Phyllanthus niruri (“stonebreaker”), has a longstanding presence in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and folk medicine across India and Southeast Asia. It has been traditionally used to manage urinary tract conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, and dysuria. The rationale for its use is based on its reputed diuretic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are believed to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract and soothe irritation.
While several studies have investigated the antimicrobial and anti-urolithiatic (anti-kidney stone) properties of the broader Phyllanthus genus, most scientific research focuses on Phyllanthus niruri rather than P. fraternus specifically. Some in vitro studies have suggested that extracts of Phyllanthus species can inhibit the growth of certain uropathogenic bacteria, but robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. There is also some evidence pointing to anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects in animal models. However, the direct application of these findings to the treatment or prevention of UTIs in humans remains largely unconfirmed.
In summary, the use of Phyllanthus fraternus for UTIs is primarily supported by traditional use with limited scientific validation. The overall quality and quantity of evidence currently rates as low (2/5), indicating that while traditional practices persist, strong scientific endorsement is not yet established.
More about Phyllanthus fraternus
More about Urinary Tract Infections
Other ingredients used for Urinary Tract Infections
alfalfaaloe vera
anthocyanins
asparagus
astragalus
bacillus subtilis
barberry
bearberry
berberine
berry flavor
black currant
radish
cassia bark
celery
cranberry
cucumber
D-mannose
dandelion
dong quai root
melon
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fennel
fenugreek
fruit blend (proprietary)
fu ling
gokhru
goldenseal
green tea
hibiscus
Indian gum arabic tree
honeysuckle
knotweed
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lophatherum leaf
methenamine
okra
ophiopogon root
pumpkin
pygeum
sage
vitamin C
watercress
watermelon
mulberry
sarsaparilla
cardamom
smilax
swertia
goldenrod
pau d'arco
juniper berries
cornsilk
buchu
birch
couch grass
sheep's sorrel
hydrangea
purslane
coix
shepherd's purse
goji berry
gravel root
akebia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Angelica
Arbutin
Agave
Agrimony
Aronia melanocarpa
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Asafoetida
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
Adzuki bean
Agrimonia pilosa
Alisma
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
bergenin
Berberis (unspecified)
Big Quaking Grass
Bael
Black Gram
Bauhinia
Baobab
Baicalin
Bergenia
Bottle gourd
Cloudberry
Cucurbita
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Carvacrol
Chanca Piedra
Coconut Water
Cistus
Cubeb
Crinum latifolium
Coin-leaf desmodium
Corn
Carambola
Cynodon dactylon
Currant
Dwarf Morning Glory
Desmodium
Euryale seed
Other health conditions supported by Phyllanthus fraternus
Abdominal PainCirrhosis of the Liver
Colitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Constipation (adults)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Gastritis
Hepatitis
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Liver Detoxification
Malaria
Pain (general remedies for)
Parasites (general)
Parasites (nematodes, worms)
Psoriasis
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores