The Military Hospital of Region IV has conducted clinical trials for treating chronic hepatitis B using Hepaphyl, which contains the bitter extract of Phyllanthus niruri, from the Central Pharmaceutical Company No. 25, involving 54 patients. After four months of monitoring, results indicated that patients experienced a reduction or complete resolution of clinical symptoms related to hepatitis B and a rapid recovery of liver function.
Phyllanthus niruri, commonly known as gale of the wind, is an annual or perennial herb with a smooth, woody stem and numerous branches bearing leaves. The flowers and fruits grow beneath the leaves, blooming year-round. In 1998, several countries reported successful research on treating hepatitis B virus infections using the bitter Phyllanthus niruri.
In our country, traditional herbalists have used Phyllanthus niruri as a diuretic, to treat liver and kidney diseases, to cool the liver, relieve heat, assist digestion, and remedy liver damage caused by alcohol consumption. Currently, the Research Center for Cultivation and Processing Medicinal Plants under the Department of Health has also successfully researched and mass-produced “Phyllanthus Tea”. This tea is known for its effects in relieving heat, aiding digestion, and detoxifying alcohol and beer.
