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Brazil Develops An Innovative Medication From The Stonebreaker Plant, Potentially Available In The SUS And Supported By Research And Scientific Partnerships.
Brazil is about to launch an innovative medication derived from the stonebreaker plant for use in the Unified Health System (SUS), merging traditional knowledge and modern research.
The initiative, part of the Phytomedicine Program, involves federal agencies, research institutions, and international organizations to transform this popular herb into a standardized and safe product for the population.
The goal is to provide an effective therapeutic alternative for issues related to the urinary tract and other health conditions.
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Stonebreaker Plant: Millennia-Old Tradition Becomes Evidence-Based Science
The stonebreaker plant (Phyllanthus niruri) has been used for decades in folk medicine, especially in the form of tea to help relieve urinary disturbances and prevent kidney stones.
Research conducted by Brazilian universities has already shown that stonebreaker can reduce the formation of stones in patients who used it for weeks.
This type of scientific basis is one of the pillars that support the development of the new medication.
The development of this phytomedicine is the result of cooperation between the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), the Institute of Technology in Pharmacy (Farmanguinhos/Fiocruz), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, among others.
The program received an investment of around R$ 2.4 million, which will be used for equipment, technical adjustments, services, and laboratory studies, all following the requirements of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).
From The Laboratory To The SUS: The Next Steps
The process of transforming the stonebreaker plant into a medication goes through several stages. Initially, pilot batches will be produced, and stability tests will be conducted to ensure the product is safe and effective.
Only after this phase can the dossier be submitted for evaluation by Anvisa, a necessary step for the medication to be officially released.
It is estimated that, after regulatory approval, the phytomedicine may be available in the public network within two years.
Potential Benefits Of The Stonebreaker Plant
Although the phytomedicine is still in the development phase, existing studies on the stonebreaker plant indicate various benefits associated with its traditional use.
Among them:
- Potential to reduce the formation of kidney stones.
- Possible antioxidant and hepatoprotective action, thanks to compounds like flavonoids and triterpenes found in the plant.
- Diuretic effect, which may help in the elimination of fluids and the functioning of the urinary tract.
These benefits are widely discussed in both scientific literature and communities that have used the plant for generations.
Therapeutic Innovation Rooted In Traditional Knowledge
For the researchers involved, the idea of transforming a traditional plant into a medication represents an important advancement in Brazilian phytomedicine policy.
The initiative not only enhances the sustainable use of biodiversity but also strengthens the national production chain and encourages scientific research aligned with public health needs.
The project also respects legislation regarding access to traditional knowledge, ensuring that communities holding this knowledge are recognized and benefited from the innovation.
Expectations And Impact For Patients
If approved, the medication derived from the stonebreaker plant could offer an accessible and safe alternative in the SUS, especially for individuals with a history of urinary lithiasis or those seeking complementary support to conventional treatment.
However, experts remind that the incorporation of the phytomedicine should be accompanied by medical guidance, as the use of herbs and phytomedicines does not replace clinical care and can interact with other therapies.
If approved, this medication based on the stonebreaker plant paves the way for a new era in the integration of traditional knowledge and modern medicine, expanding the therapeutic options available to the Brazilian population.
In addition, the initiative strengthens research in phytotherapy and may inspire future developments with other species from national biodiversity.
Source: UOL
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