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What is the difference between Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus...
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Milly Stuchinski
What is the difference between Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus...
Interestingly, while Phyllanthus amarus, P. fraternus and P. niruri as currently accepted as three separate species, a monograph in Siddha Pharmacopoeia of India Vol I 2008 (Kilkkainellic Camulam Whole Plant) lists all three species as synonyms. The monograph in Farmacopeia Brasileira (QUEBRA-PEDRA) describes Phyllanthus niruri as well as two subspecies Phyllanthus niruri ssp. niruri L. and Phyllanthus niruri ssp. lathyroides (Kunth) G.L. Webster. The United States Pharmacopoeia monograph (USP 39) describes only the dried aerial parts of P. amarus. The Malaysian Herbal Monographs (MHM Vol 3 2013) include 'Dukung anak herb' (Phyllathus niruri). In any case, there are official standards and test methods available in the aforementioned national pharmacopoeias.
Interestingly, while Phyllanthus amarus, P. fraternus and P. niruri as currently accepted as three separate species, a monograph in Siddha Pharmacopoeia of India Vol I 2008 (Kilkkainellic Camulam Whole Plant) lists all three species as synonyms. The monograph in Farmacopeia Brasileira (QUEBRA-PEDRA) describes Phyllanthus niruri as well as two subspecies Phyllanthus niruri ssp. niruri L. and Phyllanthus niruri ssp. lathyroides (Kunth) G.L. Webster. The United States Pharmacopoeia monograph (USP 39) describes only the dried aerial parts of P. amarus. The Malaysian Herbal Monographs (MHM Vol 3 2013) include 'Dukung anak herb' (Phyllathus niruri). In any case, there are official standards and test methods available in the aforementioned national pharmacopoeias.
In Malaysia, you will find Phyllanthus reticulatus as a major species. Actually it all depends on the regional and climatic factors which finally affect the phytoconstituents and the subsequent pharmacological actions. So if you have all the species, do a comparative analysis and come out with the best one for a particular activity. Below is a discussion from one paper on Phyllanthus: Phyllanthus is a large genus of shrubs, trees and rare herbs of the family Euphorbiaceae, comprising more than 600 species, of which P. accuminatus, P. amarus, P. pulcher, P. niruroides, P. anisolobus, P. orbiculatus, P. emblica, P. oxyphyllus, P. flexuosus, P. raticulatus, P. fraternes, P. simplex, P. mullernus, P. urinaria, P. mytrifolis, P. virgatus, P. niruri and P. watsonii were investigated for their phytochemical and pharmacological properties. The genus is found in almost over all warmer parts of the world (Burkill 1996). Among the Phyllanthus species, P. niruri is a small erect annual herb growing up to 30–40 cm in height and is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas,including South East Asia, Southern India and China (Girach et al 1994). Its leaves are 7–12 cm long and they are alternate, sessile oblong. It has small off-white-greenish flowers, which are solitary, auxiliary, pedicellate, apetalous and monoecious. P. amarus and P. sellowianus are closely related to P. niruri in appearance, phytochemical contents and history, but they are found in drier regions of India and Brazil, and even in Florida and Texas. In a recent report, cladistic analysis indicated that the Phyllanthus genus is paraphyletic and therefore the two problematic and confusing species, P. niruri and P. amarus, are two individual species (Lee et al 2006). References: Burkill, I. H. (1996) A dictionary of the economic products of Malay Peninsula. Art Printing Works, Kuala Lumpur, pp 1748–1749 Girach, R. D., Siddioui, P. A., Khan, S. A. (1994) Traditional plant remedies among the kondh (Orissa). Int. J. Pharmacol. 32: 274–283 Lee, S. K., Li, P. T., Lau, D. T., Yung, P. P., Kong, R. Y., Fong, W. F. (2006) Phylogeny of medicinal Phyllanthus species in China based on nuclear ITS and chloroplast atpB-rbcL sequences and multiplex PCR detection assay analysis. Planta Med. 72: 721–726
In Malaysia, you will find Phyllanthus reticulatus as a major species. Actually it all depends on the regional and climatic factors which finally affect the phytoconstituents and the subsequent pharmacological actions. So if you have all the species, do a comparative analysis and come out with the best one for a particular activity. Below is a discussion from one paper on Phyllanthus: Phyllanthus is a large genus of shrubs, trees and rare herbs of the family Euphorbiaceae, comprising more than 600 species, of which P. accuminatus, P. amarus, P. pulcher, P. niruroides, P. anisolobus, P. orbiculatus, P. emblica, P. oxyphyllus, P. flexuosus, P. raticulatus, P. fraternes, P. simplex, P. mullernus, P. urinaria, P. mytrifolis, P. virgatus, P. niruri and P. watsonii were investigated for their phytochemical and pharmacological properties. The genus is found in almost over all warmer parts of the world (Burkill 1996). Among the Phyllanthus species, P. niruri is a small erect annual herb growing up to 30–40 cm in height and is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas,including South East Asia, Southern India and China (Girach et al 1994). Its leaves are 7–12 cm long and they are alternate, sessile oblong. It has small off-white-greenish flowers, which are solitary, auxiliary, pedicellate, apetalous and monoecious. P. amarus and P. sellowianus are closely related to P. niruri in appearance, phytochemical contents and history, but they are found in drier regions of India and Brazil, and even in Florida and Texas. In a recent report, cladistic analysis indicated that the Phyllanthus genus is paraphyletic and therefore the two problematic and confusing species, P. niruri and P. amarus, are two individual species (Lee et al 2006). References: Burkill, I. H. (1996) A dictionary of the economic products of Malay Peninsula. Art Printing Works, Kuala Lumpur, pp 1748–1749 Girach, R. D., Siddioui, P. A., Khan, S. A. (1994) Traditional plant remedies among the kondh (Orissa). Int. J. Pharmacol. 32: 274–283 Lee, S. K., Li, P. T., Lau, D. T., Yung, P. P., Kong, R. Y., Fong, W. F. (2006) Phylogeny of medicinal Phyllanthus species in China based on nuclear ITS and chloroplast atpB-rbcL sequences and multiplex PCR detection assay analysis. Planta Med. 72: 721–726
I quite agree with some answers here, being found in different environment however in some countries or regions of the world, both could be found in same location even on the same soil side by side. I think the major identity difference is that while P.amarus is all greenish( leaves, stem, and fruits), P. niruri has a combination of green and red colouration . also the stem and leaves of P. niruri is larger than when compared to that of P.amarus
I quite agree with some answers here, being found in different environment however in some countries or regions of the world, both could be found in same location even on the same soil side by side. I think the major identity difference is that while P.amarus is all greenish( leaves, stem, and fruits), P. niruri has a combination of green and red colouration . also the stem and leaves of P. niruri is larger than when compared to that of P.amarus
Phyllanthuis amarus is an Amazionian species, P. niruri is an Andean species. They are morphologically very similar and both used as "Chanca Piedra" = "Stonebreaker". The phytochemical differences might mostly foot on the different environments the plants grow in, but you might also see seasonal effects. A good key for Phyllanthus is here: http://apps.kew.org/efloras/key.do?parentkeyid=1571&keyid=1583
Phyllanthuis amarus is an Amazionian species, P. niruri is an Andean species. They are morphologically very similar and both used as "Chanca Piedra" = "Stonebreaker". The phytochemical differences might mostly foot on the different environments the plants grow in, but you might also see seasonal effects. A good key for Phyllanthus is here: http://apps.kew.org/efloras/key.do?parentkeyid=1571&keyid=1583
Phyllanthuis amarus is an Amazionian species, P. niruri is an Andean species. They are morphologically very similar and both used as "Chanca Piedra" = "Stonebreaker". The phytochemical differences might mostly foot on the different environments the plants grow in, but you might also see seasonal effects. A good key for Phyllanthus is here: http://apps.kew.org/efloras/key.do?parentkeyid=1571&keyid=1583
Phyllanthuis amarus is an Amazionian species, P. niruri is an Andean species. They are morphologically very similar and both used as "Chanca Piedra" = "Stonebreaker". The phytochemical differences might mostly foot on the different environments the plants grow in, but you might also see seasonal effects. A good key for Phyllanthus is here: http://apps.kew.org/efloras/key.do?parentkeyid=1571&keyid=1583
I liked the answers given for genus Phyllanthus, but like to know if there is any similarity identified by anyone between genus Phyllanthus with genus Tamarindus, or between Cesalpineaceae with Euphorbiaceae ? If yes, please let me know the literature or article you have to read. I am curious in studying Paripinnate leaf structure associated with different types of fruiting habits, on leaf, branch. I have a species but was unable to find its scientific name too, it has sour taste (fruit and leaf), leaf is similar to these general, but larger leaflet size, can easily grow by seed in alluvial, sand or loamy soils. All these are included in medicinal category only as found with few or many similar properties. Anyone can answer my question, I would be more thankful.
I liked the answers given for genus Phyllanthus, but like to know if there is any similarity identified by anyone between genus Phyllanthus with genus Tamarindus, or between Cesalpineaceae with Euphorbiaceae ? If yes, please let me know the literature or article you have to read. I am curious in studying Paripinnate leaf structure associated with different types of fruiting habits, on leaf, branch. I have a species but was unable to find its scientific name too, it has sour taste (fruit and leaf), leaf is similar to these general, but larger leaflet size, can easily grow by seed in alluvial, sand or loamy soils. All these are included in medicinal category only as found with few or many similar properties. Anyone can answer my question, I would be more thankful.
In Malaysia, you will find Phyllanthus reticulatus as a major species. Actually it all depends on the regional and climatic factors which finally affect the phytoconstituents and the subsequent pharmacological actions. So if you have all the species, do a comparative analysis and come out with the best one for a particular activity. Below is a discussion from one paper on Phyllanthus: Phyllanthus is a large genus of shrubs, trees and rare herbs of the family Euphorbiaceae, comprising more than 600 species, of which P. accuminatus, P. amarus, P. pulcher, P. niruroides, P. anisolobus, P. orbiculatus, P. emblica, P. oxyphyllus, P. flexuosus, P. raticulatus, P. fraternes, P. simplex, P. mullernus, P. urinaria, P. mytrifolis, P. virgatus, P. niruri and P. watsonii were investigated for their phytochemical and pharmacological properties. The genus is found in almost over all warmer parts of the world (Burkill 1996). Among the Phyllanthus species, P. niruri is a small erect annual herb growing up to 30–40 cm in height and is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas,including South East Asia, Southern India and China (Girach et al 1994). Its leaves are 7–12 cm long and they are alternate, sessile oblong. It has small off-white-greenish flowers, which are solitary, auxiliary, pedicellate, apetalous and monoecious. P. amarus and P. sellowianus are closely related to P. niruri in appearance, phytochemical contents and history, but they are found in drier regions of India and Brazil, and even in Florida and Texas. In a recent report, cladistic analysis indicated that the Phyllanthus genus is paraphyletic and therefore the two problematic and confusing species, P. niruri and P. amarus, are two individual species (Lee et al 2006). References: Burkill, I. H. (1996) A dictionary of the economic products of Malay Peninsula. Art Printing Works, Kuala Lumpur, pp 1748–1749 Girach, R. D., Siddioui, P. A., Khan, S. A. (1994) Traditional plant remedies among the kondh (Orissa). Int. J. Pharmacol. 32: 274–283 Lee, S. K., Li, P. T., Lau, D. T., Yung, P. P., Kong, R. Y., Fong, W. F. (2006) Phylogeny of medicinal Phyllanthus species in China based on nuclear ITS and chloroplast atpB-rbcL sequences and multiplex PCR detection assay analysis. Planta Med. 72: 721–726
In Malaysia, you will find Phyllanthus reticulatus as a major species. Actually it all depends on the regional and climatic factors which finally affect the phytoconstituents and the subsequent pharmacological actions. So if you have all the species, do a comparative analysis and come out with the best one for a particular activity. Below is a discussion from one paper on Phyllanthus: Phyllanthus is a large genus of shrubs, trees and rare herbs of the family Euphorbiaceae, comprising more than 600 species, of which P. accuminatus, P. amarus, P. pulcher, P. niruroides, P. anisolobus, P. orbiculatus, P. emblica, P. oxyphyllus, P. flexuosus, P. raticulatus, P. fraternes, P. simplex, P. mullernus, P. urinaria, P. mytrifolis, P. virgatus, P. niruri and P. watsonii were investigated for their phytochemical and pharmacological properties. The genus is found in almost over all warmer parts of the world (Burkill 1996). Among the Phyllanthus species, P. niruri is a small erect annual herb growing up to 30–40 cm in height and is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas,including South East Asia, Southern India and China (Girach et al 1994). Its leaves are 7–12 cm long and they are alternate, sessile oblong. It has small off-white-greenish flowers, which are solitary, auxiliary, pedicellate, apetalous and monoecious. P. amarus and P. sellowianus are closely related to P. niruri in appearance, phytochemical contents and history, but they are found in drier regions of India and Brazil, and even in Florida and Texas. In a recent report, cladistic analysis indicated that the Phyllanthus genus is paraphyletic and therefore the two problematic and confusing species, P. niruri and P. amarus, are two individual species (Lee et al 2006). References: Burkill, I. H. (1996) A dictionary of the economic products of Malay Peninsula. Art Printing Works, Kuala Lumpur, pp 1748–1749 Girach, R. D., Siddioui, P. A., Khan, S. A. (1994) Traditional plant remedies among the kondh (Orissa). Int. J. Pharmacol. 32: 274–283 Lee, S. K., Li, P. T., Lau, D. T., Yung, P. P., Kong, R. Y., Fong, W. F. (2006) Phylogeny of medicinal Phyllanthus species in China based on nuclear ITS and chloroplast atpB-rbcL sequences and multiplex PCR detection assay analysis. Planta Med. 72: 721–726
To check the phytochemical difference between them, you have to obtain a chemical fingerprint either by sophisticated techniques like DART-MS, QTOF-LCMS or by checking a TLC/HPTLC pattern of both the species. Also, these fingerprints will help you to explain the difference in activity because of difference in number & quantity of antioxidant phytochemicals.
To check the phytochemical difference between them, you have to obtain a chemical fingerprint either by sophisticated techniques like DART-MS, QTOF-LCMS or by checking a TLC/HPTLC pattern of both the species. Also, these fingerprints will help you to explain the difference in activity because of difference in number & quantity of antioxidant phytochemicals.
Interestingly, while Phyllanthus amarus, P. fraternus and P. niruri as currently accepted as three separate species, a monograph in Siddha Pharmacopoeia of India Vol I 2008 (Kilkkainellic Camulam Whole Plant) lists all three species as synonyms. The monograph in Farmacopeia Brasileira (QUEBRA-PEDRA) describes Phyllanthus niruri as well as two subspecies Phyllanthus niruri ssp. niruri L. and Phyllanthus niruri ssp. lathyroides (Kunth) G.L. Webster. The United States Pharmacopoeia monograph (USP 39) describes only the dried aerial parts of P. amarus. The Malaysian Herbal Monographs (MHM Vol 3 2013) include 'Dukung anak herb' (Phyllathus niruri). In any case, there are official standards and test methods available in the aforementioned national pharmacopoeias.
Interestingly, while Phyllanthus amarus, P. fraternus and P. niruri as currently accepted as three separate species, a monograph in Siddha Pharmacopoeia of India Vol I 2008 (Kilkkainellic Camulam Whole Plant) lists all three species as synonyms. The monograph in Farmacopeia Brasileira (QUEBRA-PEDRA) describes Phyllanthus niruri as well as two subspecies Phyllanthus niruri ssp. niruri L. and Phyllanthus niruri ssp. lathyroides (Kunth) G.L. Webster. The United States Pharmacopoeia monograph (USP 39) describes only the dried aerial parts of P. amarus. The Malaysian Herbal Monographs (MHM Vol 3 2013) include 'Dukung anak herb' (Phyllathus niruri). In any case, there are official standards and test methods available in the aforementioned national pharmacopoeias.
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still confusion
still confusion
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In Malaysia, you will find Phyllanthus reticulatus as a major species. Actually it all depends on the regional and climatic factors which finally affect the phytoconstituents and the subsequent pharmacological actions. So if you have all the species, do a comparative analysis and come out with the best one for a particular activity.
Below is a discussion from one paper on Phyllanthus:
Phyllanthus is a large genus of shrubs, trees and rare herbs of the family Euphorbiaceae, comprising more than 600 species, of which P. accuminatus, P. amarus, P. pulcher, P. niruroides, P. anisolobus, P. orbiculatus, P. emblica, P. oxyphyllus, P. flexuosus, P. raticulatus, P. fraternes, P. simplex, P. mullernus, P. urinaria, P. mytrifolis, P. virgatus, P. niruri and P. watsonii were investigated for their phytochemical and pharmacological properties. The genus is found in almost over all warmer parts of the world (Burkill 1996).
Among the Phyllanthus species, P. niruri is a small erect annual herb growing up to 30–40 cm in height and is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas,including South East Asia, Southern India and China (Girach et al 1994). Its leaves are 7–12 cm long and they are alternate, sessile oblong. It has small off-white-greenish flowers, which are solitary, auxiliary, pedicellate, apetalous and monoecious. P. amarus and P. sellowianus are closely related to P. niruri in appearance, phytochemical contents and history, but they are found in drier regions of India and Brazil, and even in Florida and Texas. In a recent report, cladistic analysis indicated that the Phyllanthus genus is paraphyletic and therefore the two problematic and confusing species, P. niruri and P. amarus, are two individual species (Lee et al 2006).
References:
Burkill, I. H. (1996) A dictionary of the economic products of Malay Peninsula. Art Printing Works, Kuala Lumpur, pp 1748–1749
Girach, R. D., Siddioui, P. A., Khan, S. A. (1994) Traditional plant remedies among the kondh (Orissa). Int. J. Pharmacol. 32: 274–283
Lee, S. K., Li, P. T., Lau, D. T., Yung, P. P., Kong, R. Y., Fong, W. F. (2006) Phylogeny of medicinal Phyllanthus species in China based on nuclear ITS and chloroplast atpB-rbcL sequences and multiplex PCR detection assay analysis. Planta Med. 72: 721–726
In Malaysia, you will find Phyllanthus reticulatus as a major species. Actually it all depends on the regional and climatic factors which finally affect the phytoconstituents and the subsequent pharmacological actions. So if you have all the species, do a comparative analysis and come out with the best one for a particular activity.
Below is a discussion from one paper on Phyllanthus:
Phyllanthus is a large genus of shrubs, trees and rare herbs of the family Euphorbiaceae, comprising more than 600 species, of which P. accuminatus, P. amarus, P. pulcher, P. niruroides, P. anisolobus, P. orbiculatus, P. emblica, P. oxyphyllus, P. flexuosus, P. raticulatus, P. fraternes, P. simplex, P. mullernus, P. urinaria, P. mytrifolis, P. virgatus, P. niruri and P. watsonii were investigated for their phytochemical and pharmacological properties. The genus is found in almost over all warmer parts of the world (Burkill 1996).
Among the Phyllanthus species, P. niruri is a small erect annual herb growing up to 30–40 cm in height and is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas,including South East Asia, Southern India and China (Girach et al 1994). Its leaves are 7–12 cm long and they are alternate, sessile oblong. It has small off-white-greenish flowers, which are solitary, auxiliary, pedicellate, apetalous and monoecious. P. amarus and P. sellowianus are closely related to P. niruri in appearance, phytochemical contents and history, but they are found in drier regions of India and Brazil, and even in Florida and Texas. In a recent report, cladistic analysis indicated that the Phyllanthus genus is paraphyletic and therefore the two problematic and confusing species, P. niruri and P. amarus, are two individual species (Lee et al 2006).
References:
Burkill, I. H. (1996) A dictionary of the economic products of Malay Peninsula. Art Printing Works, Kuala Lumpur, pp 1748–1749
Girach, R. D., Siddioui, P. A., Khan, S. A. (1994) Traditional plant remedies among the kondh (Orissa). Int. J. Pharmacol. 32: 274–283
Lee, S. K., Li, P. T., Lau, D. T., Yung, P. P., Kong, R. Y., Fong, W. F. (2006) Phylogeny of medicinal Phyllanthus species in China based on nuclear ITS and chloroplast atpB-rbcL sequences and multiplex PCR detection assay analysis. Planta Med. 72: 721–726
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I quite agree with some answers here, being found in different environment however in some countries or regions of the world, both could be found in same location even on the same soil side by side. I think the major identity difference is that while P.amarus is all greenish( leaves, stem, and fruits), P. niruri has a combination of green and red colouration . also the stem and leaves of P. niruri is larger than when compared to that of P.amarus
I quite agree with some answers here, being found in different environment however in some countries or regions of the world, both could be found in same location even on the same soil side by side. I think the major identity difference is that while P.amarus is all greenish( leaves, stem, and fruits), P. niruri has a combination of green and red colouration . also the stem and leaves of P. niruri is larger than when compared to that of P.amarus
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Phyllanthuis amarus is an Amazionian species, P. niruri is an Andean species. They are morphologically very similar and both used as "Chanca Piedra" = "Stonebreaker". The phytochemical differences might mostly foot on the different environments the plants grow in, but you might also see seasonal effects.
A good key for Phyllanthus is here:
http://apps.kew.org/efloras/key.do?parentkeyid=1571&keyid=1583
Phyllanthuis amarus is an Amazionian species, P. niruri is an Andean species. They are morphologically very similar and both used as "Chanca Piedra" = "Stonebreaker". The phytochemical differences might mostly foot on the different environments the plants grow in, but you might also see seasonal effects.
A good key for Phyllanthus is here:
http://apps.kew.org/efloras/key.do?parentkeyid=1571&keyid=1583
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VOTE
Phyllanthuis amarus is an Amazionian species, P. niruri is an Andean species. They are morphologically very similar and both used as "Chanca Piedra" = "Stonebreaker". The phytochemical differences might mostly foot on the different environments the plants grow in, but you might also see seasonal effects.
A good key for Phyllanthus is here:
http://apps.kew.org/efloras/key.do?parentkeyid=1571&keyid=1583
Phyllanthuis amarus is an Amazionian species, P. niruri is an Andean species. They are morphologically very similar and both used as "Chanca Piedra" = "Stonebreaker". The phytochemical differences might mostly foot on the different environments the plants grow in, but you might also see seasonal effects.
A good key for Phyllanthus is here:
http://apps.kew.org/efloras/key.do?parentkeyid=1571&keyid=1583
More
VOTE
I liked the answers given for genus Phyllanthus, but like to know if there is any similarity identified by anyone between genus Phyllanthus with genus Tamarindus, or between Cesalpineaceae with Euphorbiaceae ? If yes, please let me know the literature or article you have to read. I am curious in studying Paripinnate leaf structure associated with different types of fruiting habits, on leaf, branch. I have a species but was unable to find its scientific name too, it has sour taste (fruit and leaf), leaf is similar to these general, but larger leaflet size, can easily grow by seed in alluvial, sand or loamy soils. All these are included in medicinal category only as found with few or many similar properties.
Anyone can answer my question, I would be more thankful.
I liked the answers given for genus Phyllanthus, but like to know if there is any similarity identified by anyone between genus Phyllanthus with genus Tamarindus, or between Cesalpineaceae with Euphorbiaceae ? If yes, please let me know the literature or article you have to read. I am curious in studying Paripinnate leaf structure associated with different types of fruiting habits, on leaf, branch. I have a species but was unable to find its scientific name too, it has sour taste (fruit and leaf), leaf is similar to these general, but larger leaflet size, can easily grow by seed in alluvial, sand or loamy soils. All these are included in medicinal category only as found with few or many similar properties.
Anyone can answer my question, I would be more thankful.
More
VOTE
In Malaysia, you will find Phyllanthus reticulatus as a major species. Actually it all depends on the regional and climatic factors which finally affect the phytoconstituents and the subsequent pharmacological actions. So if you have all the species, do a comparative analysis and come out with the best one for a particular activity.
Below is a discussion from one paper on Phyllanthus:
Phyllanthus is a large genus of shrubs, trees and rare herbs of the family Euphorbiaceae, comprising more than 600 species, of which P. accuminatus, P. amarus, P. pulcher, P. niruroides, P. anisolobus, P. orbiculatus, P. emblica, P. oxyphyllus, P. flexuosus, P. raticulatus, P. fraternes, P. simplex, P. mullernus, P. urinaria, P. mytrifolis, P. virgatus, P. niruri and P. watsonii were investigated for their phytochemical and pharmacological properties. The genus is found in almost over all warmer parts of the world (Burkill 1996).
Among the Phyllanthus species, P. niruri is a small erect annual herb growing up to 30–40 cm in height and is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas,including South East Asia, Southern India and China (Girach et al 1994). Its leaves are 7–12 cm long and they are alternate, sessile oblong. It has small off-white-greenish flowers, which are solitary, auxiliary, pedicellate, apetalous and monoecious. P. amarus and P. sellowianus are closely related to P. niruri in appearance, phytochemical contents and history, but they are found in drier regions of India and Brazil, and even in Florida and Texas. In a recent report, cladistic analysis indicated that the Phyllanthus genus is paraphyletic and therefore the two problematic and confusing species, P. niruri and P. amarus, are two individual species (Lee et al 2006).
References:
Burkill, I. H. (1996) A dictionary of the economic products of Malay Peninsula. Art Printing Works, Kuala Lumpur, pp 1748–1749
Girach, R. D., Siddioui, P. A., Khan, S. A. (1994) Traditional plant remedies among the kondh (Orissa). Int. J. Pharmacol. 32: 274–283
Lee, S. K., Li, P. T., Lau, D. T., Yung, P. P., Kong, R. Y., Fong, W. F. (2006) Phylogeny of medicinal Phyllanthus species in China based on nuclear ITS and chloroplast atpB-rbcL sequences and multiplex PCR detection assay analysis. Planta Med. 72: 721–726
In Malaysia, you will find Phyllanthus reticulatus as a major species. Actually it all depends on the regional and climatic factors which finally affect the phytoconstituents and the subsequent pharmacological actions. So if you have all the species, do a comparative analysis and come out with the best one for a particular activity.
Below is a discussion from one paper on Phyllanthus:
Phyllanthus is a large genus of shrubs, trees and rare herbs of the family Euphorbiaceae, comprising more than 600 species, of which P. accuminatus, P. amarus, P. pulcher, P. niruroides, P. anisolobus, P. orbiculatus, P. emblica, P. oxyphyllus, P. flexuosus, P. raticulatus, P. fraternes, P. simplex, P. mullernus, P. urinaria, P. mytrifolis, P. virgatus, P. niruri and P. watsonii were investigated for their phytochemical and pharmacological properties. The genus is found in almost over all warmer parts of the world (Burkill 1996).
Among the Phyllanthus species, P. niruri is a small erect annual herb growing up to 30–40 cm in height and is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas,including South East Asia, Southern India and China (Girach et al 1994). Its leaves are 7–12 cm long and they are alternate, sessile oblong. It has small off-white-greenish flowers, which are solitary, auxiliary, pedicellate, apetalous and monoecious. P. amarus and P. sellowianus are closely related to P. niruri in appearance, phytochemical contents and history, but they are found in drier regions of India and Brazil, and even in Florida and Texas. In a recent report, cladistic analysis indicated that the Phyllanthus genus is paraphyletic and therefore the two problematic and confusing species, P. niruri and P. amarus, are two individual species (Lee et al 2006).
References:
Burkill, I. H. (1996) A dictionary of the economic products of Malay Peninsula. Art Printing Works, Kuala Lumpur, pp 1748–1749
Girach, R. D., Siddioui, P. A., Khan, S. A. (1994) Traditional plant remedies among the kondh (Orissa). Int. J. Pharmacol. 32: 274–283
Lee, S. K., Li, P. T., Lau, D. T., Yung, P. P., Kong, R. Y., Fong, W. F. (2006) Phylogeny of medicinal Phyllanthus species in China based on nuclear ITS and chloroplast atpB-rbcL sequences and multiplex PCR detection assay analysis. Planta Med. 72: 721–726
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To check the phytochemical difference between them, you have to obtain a chemical fingerprint either by sophisticated techniques like DART-MS, QTOF-LCMS or by checking a TLC/HPTLC pattern of both the species. Also, these fingerprints will help you to explain the difference in activity because of difference in number & quantity of antioxidant phytochemicals.
To check the phytochemical difference between them, you have to obtain a chemical fingerprint either by sophisticated techniques like DART-MS, QTOF-LCMS or by checking a TLC/HPTLC pattern of both the species. Also, these fingerprints will help you to explain the difference in activity because of difference in number & quantity of antioxidant phytochemicals.
More
VOTE