Antimicrobial activity of Phyllanthus niruri (Chanka piedra)

Phyllanthus niruri Linnaus (Euphorbiaceae) also known as Chanka piedra is widely grown and used throughout the tropical and subtropical countries of the world. In India it is present in the coastal areas. It is an annual herb and field weed having very short life. Phyllanthus comprises of 600-700 species with minor distinguishing features among them. In Indian ayurvedic system, plant extract of P. niruri is used as a medicine for asthma, bronchitis, anemia, leprosy, etc., As mentioned in the book Charaka Samhita P. niruri is used as an effective treatment for stimulating liver, improving digestion, to increase appetite and produce laxative effects. Phyllanthus niruri is a traditional herb with long-standing Ayurvedic, Chinese and Malay ethnomedical records and antimicrobial activity. Antimicrobial activity refers to the process of killing or inhibiting the disease causing microbes. Methanolic extract of P. niruri is an effective antibacterial agent to treat bacterial infections since the extract exhibited significant antimicrobial potency. The alcoholic extract of leaves of Phyllanthus niruri shows significant antibacterial activity against cariogenic organisms. The anti microbial activity of aqueous extract is found to be more effective than the acetone extract of Phyllanthus niruri against pathogens responsible for common infections of skin, respiratory, urinary and gastro-intestinal tracts. Keywords: Phyllanthus niruri. Chanka piedra, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Antibacterial, Herb.