Background:
Recurrent urinary stone disease is associated with a high rate of symptomatic episodes, impaired quality of life, and frequent healthcare utilization. Phytotherapeutic agents have gained increasing attention as adjunctive strategies for stone prevention and symptom control. Phyllanthus niruri (Chanca Piedra), in combination with other nutraceutical components, has demonstrated potential benefits in modulating stone formation and recurrence.
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a food supplement containing Phyllanthus niruri and Chrysanthellum americanum, combined with potassium and magnesium citrates, in reducing symptomatic episodes, stone burden, and asymptomatic bacteriuria in patients with recurrent uncomplicated urinary stones.
Methods:
This prospective, phase IV clinical study enrolled 82 patients with recurrent renal calculi (≤15 mm). Participants received a daily oral supplement containing Phyllanthus niruri, Chrysanthellum americanum, potassium citrate, and magnesium citrate for six months. Clinical evaluation, quality-of-life (QoL) assessment, laboratory analysis, and imaging studies were performed at baseline and at follow-up. Primary outcomes included reduction in symptomatic episodes and QoL improvement; secondary outcomes included changes in stone size, stone-free status, and prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria.
Results:
At six months, 60.9% of patients showed a reduction in stone size, with a significant mean decrease compared to baseline (−6.7 ± 3.0 mm; p < 0.001). Stone-free status was achieved in 32.9% of patients. Symptomatic episodes were absent in 59.7% of participants, accompanied by a significant improvement in QoL scores (p < 0.001). The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria decreased significantly from 28.1% at baseline to 3.6% at follow-up (p < 0.001). No clinically significant adverse effects were reported.
Conclusion:
Supplementation with Phyllanthus niruri and Chrysanthellum americanum, in association with potassium and magnesium citrates, effectively reduces stone burden, symptomatic episodes, and asymptomatic bacteriuria while improving quality of life in patients with recurrent urinary stones. The favorable safety profile supports its role as a complementary approach in the prevention and management of urolithiasis.
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