Phyllanthus amarus in known in South America as "chanca piedra" or breaker of stones. There, it is used mainly for kidney stones but also for gall stones and many other disorders ranging from malaria to liver cancer. In Ayurvedic medicine Phyllanthus amarus is known as bhumi amalaki. It is revered as a major detoxifying and liver rejuvenative herb. It is recommended that it be used in small amounts over a long period of time. Modern studies support traditional uses and suggest that Phyllanthus amarus prevents mutation of liver cells when exposed to carcinogens.