HeMe November issue | Page 2

PHYLLANTHUS Several species of this plant used in the treatment of JAUNDICE, HEPATITIS B, MALARIA, HIV, DIABETES, GONORRHEA, POULTICES, SKIN ULCER, MALARIA, DYSENTERY AND UROLITHIASIS. P hyllanthus which is also called as ‘LEAFFLOWER’ is a plant belongs to the genus Phyllanthaceae. It has a diversity of growth forms including annual and perennial herbs, shrubs, climbers, floating aquatics and pachycaulous succulents. We can see this plant in tropical as well as in subtropical regions on earth. Among all the species, some phyllanthus species grabbed the attention of the scientists, due to their medical value. These species shows their historical relationship with folk medicine, ayurveda and even with Chinese medicine. The species mostly talked in medicine are; Phyllanthus emblica, Phyllanthus niruri, Phyllanthus muellerianus, Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus acidus The stem, leaves, bark, roots and berries contains lignans called phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin, and other phytochemicals. These substances contain antiviral properties. Among all the antiviral phytochemical having plants the Phyllanthus species shows the most promising results. Especially the species Phyllanthus urinaria.