Niruri (Phyllanthus niruri, Sp. Pl.: 981 (1753))

Family: Phyllanthaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 981 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Phyllanthus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Niruri, scientifically known as Phyllanthus niruri, is a remarkable plant widely recognized for its extensive range of medicinal properties. First described in 1753 by the botanist Carolus Linnaeus, this herb has garnered attention due to its resilience and adaptability, thriving in tropical and subtropical regions of America.

Belonging to the Phyllanthaceae family, Niruri is often identified by its delicate, small leaves and its fruitful branches adorned with numerous tiny, spherical green fruits. This hardy plant can be found growing wild in diverse environments, from lush forests to cultivated fields, a testament to its versatile nature.

Phyllanthus niruri is traditionally celebrated in various cultures for its healing potential. It has been an integral part of herbal medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, where it is revered for its ability to address a multitude of ailments. Among its notable uses, Niruri is often employed to support liver health, combat kidney stones, and assist in managing diabetes. Its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties further enhance its reputation as a powerful herbal remedy.

The plant’s efficacy is largely attributed to its rich phytochemical composition, which includes compounds like phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, and several flavonoids and tannins. These compounds work synergistically to deliver a broad spectrum of health benefits, making Phyllanthus niruri a valuable natural resource for promoting overall well-being.

Drawing upon centuries of traditional knowledge and modern scientific research, Phyllanthus niruri continues to be a subject of intense study and admiration within the botanical and medical communities. Its enduring legacy as a multipurpose herbal remedy underscores the timeless relevance of natural medicine in maintaining human health.

Common Names

Deu: niruri
Fra: derrière dos, quinine créole
Eng: gale of the wind, niruri
Por: quebra-pedra
Spa: quinina criolla
En: Niruri, Gale of the wind, Seed-under-leaf, Soronipon, Stonebreaker, Stone-breaker
Bn: ভুঁই আমলা
Zh: 珠子草
Fr: Quinine créole, Derrière dos, Herbe du chagrin, Graine en bas feuille
De: Niruri
Gu: ભોંઆમલી
Ht: Dèyè do
Hi: भुंई आमला
Id: Dukung anak
Kn: ನೆಲನೆಲ್ಲಿ
Rw: Uruheza
Ms: Dukung anak
Ml: കീഴാർനെല്ലി
Mr: भुईआवळी
Or: ଭୂଇଁ ଅଅଁଳା
Fa: فیلانتوس نیروری
Pt: Quebra pedra, Quebra-pedra
Pt-br: Arranca-pedra, Arrebenta-pedra, Erva-pombinha, Quebra-pedra, Quebra-pedra-branca, Fura-parede, Fura-pedra
Es: Quinina criolla, Chancapiedra
Zh-tw: 珠子草
Ta: கீழாநெல்லி
Te: నేల ఉసిరి
Th: ลูกใต้ใบ

Synonyms

• Diasperus niruri ((L.) Kuntze)
• Niruris annua (Raf.)
• Phyllanthus niruri var. genuinus (Müll.Arg.)
• Nymphanthus niruri ((L.) Lour.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Texas (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Lisa Ani (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2021 by kat kat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2020 by Torres Guillermo Jorge (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Rudd (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2019 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 23, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2020 by Silva Naah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2019 by Marcelo Isac (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 14, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Oct 4, 2020 by Jagadeeswaran Kannan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2019 by Marcelo Isac (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2012 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 17, 2018 by vini (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 16, 2022 by Juan Carlos Ordonez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 17, 2018 by vini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2020 by Jagadeeswaran Kannan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2021 by Rodrigo Pampin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2021 by Marcos Vinicius (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 4, 2020 by Jagadeeswaran Kannan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 9, 2020 by Da Silva Joao Jair (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:194900-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5381945)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Phyllanthus niruri L.)

Specifications

Growth