Chanca piedra,
does it really help with Liver protection and detoxification?
research showsThe core liver claims for P. niruri were null in direct RCTs. In an independent 226-person, 12-month NAFLD trial, the primary CAP changes were −15.05 versus −14.74 dB/m (p=.869), and liver enzymes did not improve. An analysis of 71 patients with alcoholic hepatitis also found no benefit for AST, ALT, GGT, or bilirubin. The liver-stiffness signal was only a secondary surrogate in one trial, so rule 2 yields an overall D with 25 points.
ads claimAdvertisements broadly present liver protection, toxin removal, and liver-cell regeneration. Direct human trials measured surrogates such as liver fat, enzymes, and stiffness and did not establish clinical detoxification or reduced liver-disease events.
Useful facts when choosing a product
- The 12-month fatty-liver trial used 3,000 mg/day of a standardized extract.
- Phyllanthus niruri, P. amarus, and P. urinaria are not the same species.
- Reduced liver stiffness is a surrogate for possible fibrosis and is not the same as histology or a clinical event.
- Species identification and extract standardization in marketed products may differ from the trial product.
What the research actually shows
The independent Abu Hassan 2023 RCT randomized 226 adults with NAFLD to P. niruri at 3,000 mg/day or placebo for 12 months. Primary CAP changes were −15.05 versus −14.74 dB/m (p=.869), and liver enzymes did not differ; only the secondary liver-stiffness measure favored the intervention. The Sowjanya 2021 trial analyzed 71 patients with alcoholic hepatitis by modified intention to treat and found no significant between-group benefit for AST, ALT, GGT, bilirubin, or related liver measures.
Why this is classified as D (25)
The primary CAP and liver-enzyme outcomes in an independent 226-person, 12-month RCT and AST, ALT, GGT, and bilirubin in a 71-person alcoholic-hepatitis analysis were null. A single secondary liver-stiffness surrogate cannot offset null core outcomes, so rule 2 results in D with 25 points.
Counterpoint. The liver-stiffness signal can motivate later histologic or clinical-outcome trials, but it remains one secondary surrogate.
Rejudgment record. Reassessment (cross-check reflected) — CAP and liver enzymes were null in an independent 226-person 12-month RCT, and AST, ALT, GGT, and bilirubin were null in a 71-person alcoholic-hepatitis analysis; one secondary liver-stiffness surrogate cannot offset them
Sub-claim grades by effect
This ingredient is marketed for several effects. A single overall grade blends strong and weak claims together, so each effect is graded separately here. The overall grade reflects the strongest disconfirming or core claim.
| Effect (sub-claim) | Grade | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Improvement in liver fat and liver enzymes | D | A 226-person 12-month RCT and an alcoholic-hepatitis trial found no significant improvement versus placebo. |
| Improvement in liver stiffness and fibrosis surrogate | C | A secondary outcome in one long-term RCT showed improved liver stiffness without histologic or clinical-outcome confirmation. |
| Systemic toxin detoxification | ? | No direct human efficacy literature was identified. |
Cross-check — Codex and Claude
Evidence Table
| Study | Design | Sample | Funding | Endpoint | Result | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Hassan MR et al. 2023 | Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial | 226 | Product supplied by Nova Laboratories | Twelve-month CAP, liver enzymes, and liver stiffness | CAP and liver enzymes did not differ between groups, while liver stiffness decreased more in the intervention group. | Key |
| Sowjanya K et al. 2021 | Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial | 71 | Unknown | Liver and kidney function and oxidative measures in alcoholic hepatitis | Between-group improvement in AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, and other liver-function measures was not significant. | Key |
Receipt — 2 References
All 2 cited sources were verified for existence at the original page (as of 2026-07-11).
Reviewed and approved: Chamgap Editorial Team · Approval date: 2026-07-11 · Corrections: none
Cite this verdict
[Chamgap] Chanca piedra (Phyllanthus niruri) x liver protection and detoxification — Evidence Grade D·25. 2 cited sources checked. Source: https://health-receipt.pages.dev/en/verdicts/liver/chanca-piedra-liver-protection-detox/ · CC BY 4.0CC BY 4.0 — free to use with attribution; do not distort grades, numbers, or verdict meaning.
What this document does and does not do
Chamgap is an information source. It reports what research has and has not confirmed; it does not tell readers what to take or buy. That decision belongs to readers and, when needed, medical or legal professionals. This verdict reflects literature available up to the search date and may change as new research appears. Nothing here is medical advice.