Current Perspectives on the Phytochemical, Pharmacological, Ethnobotanical, and Molecular Docking Profile of Phyllanthus Niruri With Special Reference to the Mechanisms of Hepatoprotection

Phyllanthus niruri L., “Stone-Breaker” or “Bhumyamalaki”, holds a colossal position in the traditional medicinal system of the world. This robust annual herb is globally adaptable to tropical and subtropical zones and maintains a large pool of active metabolites even when grown in nutrient deficient soils. Anatomically, it is characterised by a unique phyllanthoid branching architecture. Phytochemical profiles reveal that the plant is a major repository of diverse bioactive compounds including marker lignans (phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin), flavonoids (quercetin), tannins (corilagin), alkaloids and terpenoids. Recent pharmacological studies validate its traditional uses with potent antiurolithic activities by modulating the kinetics of calcium oxalate crystals to inhibit their adherence to the renal tissue. Furthermore, it exhibits strong hepatoprotective, antiviral and antifibrotic effects by reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting Hepatitis B replication and suppressing pro-inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB. In silico molecular docking validates P. niruri as a biological resource of high value for targeted clinical interventions.