Chronic liver diseases are a major concern for morbidity and mortality across the globe. According to WHO estimates 46% of global diseases and 59% of the mortality are attributed to chronic diseases with almost 35 million people in the world dying because of chronic diseases. From recent data available it is evident that globally, 1.5 billion persons had chronic liver disease (CLD) frequently resulting from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Hepatitis B virus infection, Hepatitis C virus infection and alcoholic liver disease. In such a scenario, Bhumyamalaki is one of the promising herbal drugs used in Ayurveda for various liver disorders.
Phyllanthes niruri Linn or Bhumyamalaki or Bhuiavala is a small annual herb found as a weed throughout India belonging to the family of Euphorbiaceae. Bhumyamalaki has been used to treat jaundice, gonorrhoea, frequent menstruation, dysentery, dyspepsia, bronchitis, influenza, asthma, dysentery, tumours, diabetes vaginitis, tuberculosis and diabetes. Apart from this it is also used to treat skin ulcers, sores, swelling etc. Bhumyamalaki shows pharmacological action such as Antibacterial, Demulcent, Hepatoprotective, Antifungal, Anticancer, Antiviral and Hypoglycaemic actions. Bhumyamalaki has a potential to fight viruses especially with hepatitis B virus. It suppresses the growth and replication of the virus and decreases the amount of hepatitis B virus. Phyllanthus niruri Linn. is used for its potent activity in the treatment of kidney stones, gallstones, and various liver disorders, especially hepatitis and jaundice.
- In jaundice, paste of Bhūmyamalaki made with buttermilk if taken orally removes jaundice
- In Haemorrhage cases, seeds of Bhūmyamalakī taken with rice-water alleviate the condition in two or three days.
- In pain in the eyes, paste of Bhūmyamalakī mixed with rock salt and sour gruel is rubbed in a copper vessel. When solidified, it is applied as paste on eyelids.
- In Menorrhagia roots of Bhūmyamalakī taken with rice-water for 2-3 days checks bleeding. This is an effective medicine in cases of Meno-metrorrhagia, haematuria, and diarrhoea with blood.
