HeMe November issue | Página 3

HEALTHY LIVING (Phyllanthus acidus) Phyllanthus embelica is used in different bone disorders of human and diabetes. Phyllanthus niruri and Phyllanthus urinaria has effects against Hepatitis B and HIV viruses. The stone dissolving effect of Phyllanthus niruri is used in folk medicine to treat urolithiasis and in Indian ayurvedic medicine to treat jaundice, gonorrhea, diabetes, poultices and skin ulcers. Phyllanthus muellerianus which is called as ‘mbolongo’ in Cameroon is used as a remedy for tetanus and other wound infections. Wide variety of medical usage helped this plant Phyllanthus to be called as the most precious herb in folk medicine. The high antiviral and antimicrobial effects of these plants are dragging the scientists’ attention to do research to use their extracts in production of antiviral drugs Very well known Phyllanthus acidus known as Otaheite gooseberry plant’s leaf can be used in Malaria due to its antiplasmodial effect against Plasmodium falciparum. Phyllanthus reticulatus leaves have shown their RNAse inhibition and protection against cytopathic effects of viruses. This theory is thought to be helpful in treating HIV using this plant.