Phyllanthus niruri Linn grown in Sri Lanka: Evaluation on phyto and physico-chemical properties of the whole plant

Abstract

Menstruation is an expression of physiological events occurring in the female reproductive system. Scientifically menstruation is the monthly out flow of blood that starts at teenage and continues till menopause. In healthy woman menstruation occur at the interval of 28 days and duration varies from 3-7 days and According to the modern science it is to vary from 50-60 ml.[1] If increase the frequency or volume of the flow, it consider as an abnormality. According to Ayurveda when menstrual blood is excessive in quantity or and duration it is called as Raktapradara.[2] Raktapradara is a broadly classified disease; include various diseases condition of menstrual cycle can correlate menorrhagia in modern medicine. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is considered as the most common cause of menorrhagia. DUB has been defined as abnormal uterine bleeding not caused by pelvic pathology, medications, systemic disease or pregnancy.[3] According to the WHO statistics this condition is a common problem, affecting one in every five women and it was estimated that at least 60% of woman who presence with heavy menstrual bleeding are more prone to do hysterectomy which is associated with significant complications in a majority of cases. Plant based drug have been used worldwide in traditional medicine as well as Ayurveda medicine for treatment of various disease. According to World Health Organization (WHO), medicinal plants would be the best source to obtain verity of drugs. About 80% of individuals from developed countries use traditional medicines. About 13,000 plant species have been used as drugs throughout the world.[5] In this respect, Phyllanthus niruri Linn is usually used as decoction (Kashaya) and powder (Churna) in traditional as well as Ayurveda medicine of system for health maintenance. Specially prescribe for Rakthapradara in Ayurveda text book of Yogarathnakara.