What Bioactive Compounds are in Phyllanthus niruri?

December 8, 2025 •

2 min read

Phytochemical research consistently confirms that Phyllanthus niruri possesses a diverse array of potent bioactive compounds, contributing to its extensive use in traditional medicine. These natural constituents, including lignans, flavonoids, and tannins, are thought to be responsible for the plant's wide-ranging therapeutic properties.

Quick Summary

This article details the primary classes and key specific bioactive compounds found in Phyllanthus niruri, including its most prominent lignans and phenolic compounds. It summarizes their known properties based on scientific literature.

Key Points

Lignans are Key: Phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin are major lignans in Phyllanthus niruri, known for their potent hepatoprotective and antiviral activities.
Antioxidant-rich Profile: The plant contains high levels of phenolics and flavonoids, such as quercetin and gallic acid, which provide strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Tannins Add Versatility: Tannins like corilagin and geraniin offer additional antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties.
Antispasmodic Effects: Alkaloids, including phyllanthoside, give the herb its smooth muscle relaxing and antispasmodic properties, which may help in expelling kidney stones.
Multi-component Synergy: The various bioactive compounds act synergistically, suggesting that the whole-plant extract can have a more comprehensive therapeutic effect than individual isolated compounds.
Research Focus: Significant scientific interest has focused on the antiviral effects of P. niruri compounds, especially against hepatitis B and HIV.
Traditional vs. Modern Understanding: While traditional use has guided its applications for centuries, modern research continues to uncover the specific compounds and mechanisms responsible for its therapeutic actions.

The Primary Classes of Bioactive Compounds in Phyllanthus niruri

Phytochemical studies have identified several major categories of bioactive compounds present in the leaves, stems, and roots of Phyllanthus niruri. These compounds work synergistically to produce the plant’s documented health effects. The key classes include lignans, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoids.

Lignans: Prominent Antiviral and Hepatoprotective Agents

Lignans are a class of phenolic polymers and among the most heavily researched compounds in P. niruri. They are often cited for their hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) and antiviral effects. Key lignans identified include Phyllanthin, Hypophyllanthin, Niranthin, and Phyltetralin. Research highlights phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin for their liver-protective properties in animal studies, while niranthin shows potential antiviral effects against Hepatitis B in laboratory settings.

Phenolics and Flavonoids: Powerful Antioxidants

Abundant in P. niruri, phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, are largely responsible for the plant's potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These compounds help protect against oxidative stress. Notable examples include Gallic Acid, Ellagic Acid, Quercetin, and Rutin. Gallic acid and ellagic acid have shown antioxidant and anti-diabetic potential, while quercetin and rutin contribute to antioxidant capacity and cardiovascular health. Corilagin, a type of tannin, also shows anti-cancer potential.

Tannins, Alkaloids, and Other Constituents

Other bioactive molecules in P. niruri include tannins such as geraniin and corilagin, known for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. Alkaloids like securinine and nor-securinine have been studied for antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties. Terpenoids, including lupeol and p-cymene, also offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, saponins and steroids are often found in extracts.

Comparison of Major Bioactive Compound Classes

This table highlights the differences between the main classes of bioactive compounds in Phyllanthus niruri, based on scientific research.


Chemical Class	Key Examples	Primary Reported Activities
Lignans	Phyllanthin, Hypophyllanthin, Niranthin	Hepatoprotective, Antiviral, Antioxidant, Enzyme inhibition
Flavonoids	Quercetin, Rutin, Astragalin	Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Cardiovascular support
Tannins	Corilagin, Geraniin, Ellagic Acid	Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-cancer, Hepatoprotective
Alkaloids	Securinine, Nor-securinine, Phyllanthoside	Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic (smooth muscle relaxation)
Terpenoids	Lupeol, p-Cymene, Betulinic Acid	Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective

Conclusion: The Synergistic Role of Phyllanthus niruri's Bioactive Compounds

The diverse chemical composition of Phyllanthus niruri supports its traditional uses. The array of bioactive compounds, including lignans, flavonoids, and tannins, underlies its therapeutic potential. The combined action of these phytochemicals is thought to contribute to the plant's overall pharmacological effects. Further research is required to fully understand the mechanisms and potential uses of these compounds. Review studies can provide more detailed information on Phyllanthus niruri and its constituents.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most prominent and studied class of bioactive compounds in Phyllanthus niruri are lignans, particularly phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin, which are associated with its liver-protective properties.

Yes, Phyllanthus niruri is rich in compounds with antioxidant properties. The high levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, such as quercetin, gallic acid, and ellagic acid, are primarily responsible for these effects.

Several compounds, including the lignans phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin, along with certain flavonoids and tannins, exhibit hepatoprotective effects. They help reduce oxidative stress and protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins.

Yes, Phyllanthus niruri has been traditionally used for kidney stones, earning it the nickname "stone breaker." Research has identified alkaloids and other compounds that have an antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles, which is thought to aid in the passage of stones.

The tannins, such as corilagin and geraniin, provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Corilagin has also shown promise in anti-cancer research.

Yes, phytochemical analyses confirm that active compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, lignans, and tannins are found throughout various parts of the P. niruri plant, including the leaves, stems, and roots.

In addition to the main classes of lignans, flavonoids, and tannins, P. niruri also contains other constituents such as terpenoids (like lupeol), saponins, and steroids, which contribute to its overall pharmacological activities.