Last verified: today
Chanca Piedra
Also known as: Phyllanthus niruri, stonebreaker, quebra pedra, Phyllanthus amarus
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Traditional herb marketed for kidney stones, but clinical evidence is lacking and it contains oxalate.
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What it does
Chanca Piedra is a tropical plant used in traditional medicine, particularly in South America, as a remedy for kidney stones. It is widely sold in supplements marketed to help pass or prevent...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose (insufficient research data)
What the Science Says
Chanca Piedra is a tropical plant used in traditional medicine, particularly in South America, as a remedy for kidney stones. It is widely sold in supplements marketed to help pass or prevent kidney stones. However, the available research does not support its clinical effectiveness for stone management, and no established effective dose exists.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to dissolve or prevent kidney stones. No clinical trials confirm it works for stone management. Ironically, it contains oxalate — a compound that can actually contribute to kidney stone formation. Don't assume 'natural' means safe or effective for urinary health.
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no pharmacokinetic or absorption data found in the provided studies.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Contains approximately 8.2 mg of oxalate per dose, which may worsen kidney stone risk in oxalate-sensitive individuals
- No clinical trials found to support its use for kidney stone prevention or treatment
- Online articles about this ingredient rated as poor reliability by independent assessment tools
- DNA barcoding studies have found herbal supplements can be mislabeled or adulterated — what's on the label may not match what's inside
- Widely sold (255+ registered products) despite a near-total absence of clinical evidence
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25