It's name, "Stone Breaker", tells of its use in the treatment of urolithiasis. (breaking up kidney stones). This is partly due to its diuretic action, which also promotes positive urinary function. It is also know as an anti-hepatotoxic and antispasmodic "showed inhibiting for the replication of the hepatitis B virus, a slow-acting pathogen linked to liver cancer that is now carried by some 300 to 500 million people worldwide" (see studies). Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, where a massive search of the world's herbal literature was initiated for plants used against jaundice (acute hepatitis) and other liver diseases. Phyllanthus turned up as one of the most promising for follow-up. The hope for Phyllanthus is to provide an abundantly available nontoxic alternative not only to treat the disease, but ideally to render carriers sero-negative for the virus so they won't pass it on to others. Combined with vaccines, Phyllanthus, or perhaps other herbs combined, might make a significant contribution to the eradication of viral hepatitis.