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Dietary supplement

Chanca Piedra 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Chanca Piedra 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for kidney stones, gallstones, liver support.Based on those ingredients, 1,020 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Chanca Piedra. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Chanca Piedra 500 mg by Swanson

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: chanca piedra, a plant used in traditional herbal practice. The capsule also holds several inactive ingredients—hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silica—which are standard binders, thickeners, and anti-caking agents.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: supports kidney and liver health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis), Gallbladder disease, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Hepatitis B, Urinary tract infections (UTIs), Calcium regulation — and 2 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Chanca Piedra is rated "Possibly Effective" for Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Chanca Piedra is rated "Likely Ineffective" for Hepatitis B.
  • Also on file: Chanca Piedra is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Gallbladder disease, Urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Chanca piedra is possibly effective for kidney stones, based on the data we hold. For hepatitis B it's rated likely ineffective.

The evidence isn't established—or is too limited to rate—for anemia of chronic disease and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Chanca Piedra

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Chanca piedra is generally well tolerated over the short term, though thorough safety testing hasn't been done. The most commonly reported side effects are abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting; a small number of trial participants also experienced fatigue.

The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There isn't enough information to know whether it's safe at these times.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Chanca Piedra

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Chanca Piedra.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,021 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Double-check this product if you take blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or clopidogrel, lithium, diuretics, norepinephrine, diabetes medications, or any drug metabolized by your liver's CYP1A2 or CYP3A4 enzymes—a category that includes many heart and cholesterol drugs.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you're considering chanca piedra for kidney stones, it may be worth discussing with your pharmacist—especially if you're on blood thinners, lithium, diabetes medications, or any drug affected by your liver's CYP enzymes. Abdominal upset is common, so take it with food if you try it.

Talk to your pharmacist before starting, and skip it if you're pregnant or nursing.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 28, 2019.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Chanca Piedra 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614112299
Net contents 60 Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 28, 2019
DSLD ID 203027
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Chanca Piedra 500 mg by Swanson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Veggie Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veggie Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
087614112299
IngredientAmount% DV
Chanca Piedra500 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Supports kidney health Maintains optimal liver health Manages calcium levels in the urine Science-Backed Quality Since 1969

Liver and kidney support 500 mg per capsule

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one veggie capsule per day with water.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only.

Consult your physician before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

General

SW1229 Rev 1 11 01 18

See for yourself

Chanca Piedra 500 mg by Swanson label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Chanca Piedra 500 mg by Swanson

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veggie Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Chanca Piedra

Interacts with
1,020 drugs
500 mg per serving

Chanca piedra is a tropical herb traditionally used as a 'stone breaker' for kidney and gallstones, and for liver and urinary health. Human evidence f...

Chanca Piedra monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Chanca Piedra 500 mg by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Chanca Piedra 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,020Drugs
871 Moderate 149 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Chanca Piedra 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Chanca Piedra8 drug types · 1,020 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, chanca piedra might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro research suggests that methyl brevifolincarboxylate, a constituent isolated from chanca piedra, can inhibit platelet aggregation. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, chanca piedra might reduce the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that chanca piedra extract increases CYP1A2 activity. Theoretically, chanca piedra might increase metabolism of CYP1A2 substrates and lower serum concentrations. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, use of chanca piedra might increase the levels and clinical effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research shows that chanca piedra extract inhibits CYP3A4. Theoretically, chanca piedra might increase the levels of CYP3A4 substrates. This interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of chanca piedra with diuretics might increase diuresis.
Some preliminary clinical research in adults with hypertension shows that chanca piedra has diuretic properties. However, higher quality research in adults with kidney stones shows taking chanca piedra does not increase urine volume when compared with placebo. Until more is known, use cautiously in patients taking diuretic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, chanca piedra might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Some preliminary clinical research in adults with hypertension shows that chanca piedra has diuretic properties. However, higher quality research in adults with kidney stones shows that taking chanca piedra does not increase urine volume when compared with placebo. Until more is known, use cautiously in patients taking lithium. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Norepinephrine (Levophed)

Theoretically, chanca piedra may reduce the effects of norepinephrine.
Animal research suggests that methyl brevifolincarboxylate, a constituent isolated from chanca piedra, can reverse blood vessel contraction caused by norepinephrine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use with antidiabetes drugs might affect glucose control and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research suggests that chanca piedra can have hypoglycemic effects. However, a small clinical study in adults with diabetes shows that chanca piedra extract 25 grams orally daily for 1 week does not lower fasting or postprandial blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of chanca piedra with antihypertensive drugs might have additive blood pressure lowering effects.
Animal research suggests that chanca piedra can decrease blood pressure. However, this effect was not observed in most hypertensive patients treated with chanca piedra for 10 days.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Chanca Piedra 500 mg, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chanca Piedra 500 mg by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Chanca Piedra 500 mg by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Chanca Piedra 500 mg has a known interaction with 1,020 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Chanca Piedra 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will chanca piedra actually help my kidney stones?
It's rated possibly effective for kidney stones based on the data we have. That means there's some evidence it may help, but it's not a guarantee. Talk to your doctor about whether it makes sense for your situation.
What are the main side effects I should watch for?
The most common ones are abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Some people have also reported fatigue. They tend to be mild, but if they're bothersome, take the capsule with food or stop and let your pharmacist know.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against using chanca piedra during pregnancy. There isn't enough information about breastfeeding either. Talk with your doctor before using it if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.
Is chanca piedra the same as any other supplement I might know?
Chanca piedra is a plant that's been used traditionally, mainly for kidney and gallstone concerns. It's a single-ingredient supplement—no blends or other botanicals in this one.
Does chanca piedra work for hepatitis B?
No. It's rated likely ineffective for hepatitis B, so it's not a treatment option for that condition.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Chanca Piedra 500 mg is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Chanca Piedra 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Chanca Piedra 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 18 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Chanca Piedra 18 references
  1. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  2. Srividya N, Periwal S. Diuretic, hypotensive and hypoglycaemic effect of Phyllanthus amarus. Indian J Exp Biol 1995; 33:861-4.
  3. Rao, M. V. and Alice, K. M. Contraceptive effects of Phyllanthus amarus in female mice. Phytother.Res 2001;15(3):265-267.
  4. Moshi, M. J., Lutale, J. J., Rimoy, G. H., Abbas, Z. G., Josiah, R. M., and Swai, A. B. The effect of Phyllanthus amarus aqueous extract on blood glucose in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. Phytother.Res 2001;15(7):577-580.
  5. Nishiura, J. L., Campos, A. H., Boim, M. A., Heilberg, I. P., and Schor, N. Phyllanthus niruri normalizes elevated urinary calcium levels in calcium stone forming (CSF) patients. Urol.Res 2004;32(5):362-366. PubMed
  6. Iizuka, T., Moriyama, H., and Nagai, M. Vasorelaxant effects of methyl brevifolincarboxylate from the leaves of Phyllanthus niruri. Biol.Pharm.Bull. 2006;29(1):177-179. PubMed
  7. Adeneye, A. A., Amole, O. O., and Adeneye, A. K. Hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic activities of the aqueous leaf and seed extract of Phyllanthus amarus in mice. Fitoterapia 2006;77(7-8):511-514. PubMed
  8. Iizuka, T., Nagai, M., Taniguchi, A., Moriyama, H., and Hoshi, K. Inhibitory effects of methyl brevifolincarboxylate isolated from Phyllanthus niruri L. on platelet aggregation. Biol.Pharm.Bull. 2007;30(2):382-384. PubMed
  9. Amaechina, F. C. and Omogbai, E. K. Hypotensive effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Phyllanthus amarus Schum and Thonn (Euphorbiaceae). Acta Pol.Pharm. 2007;64(6):547-552.
  10. Okoli, C. O., Obidike, I. C., Ezike, A. C., Akah, P. A., and Salawu, O. A. Studies on the possible mechanisms of antidiabetic activity of extract of aerial parts of Phyllanthus niruri. Pharm.Biol. 2011;49(3):248-255.
  11. Moshi MJ, Uiso FC Mahunnah RL et al. A study of the effect of Phyllanthus amarus extracts on blood glucose in rabbits. International Journal of Pharmacognosy 1997;35(3):167-173. DOI
  12. Kumar NG, Nair AN Raghunandanan VR et al. Hypoglycaemic effect of Phyllanthus niruri leaves in rabbits. Kerala Journal of Veterinary Science 1989;20(1):77-80.
  13. Navarro M, Coussio J Hnatyszyn O et al. Hypoglycemic Effect of an Aqueous Extract of Phyllanthus sellowianus ("sarandi blanco") in C57BL/Ks mice. Acta Farmaceutica Bonaerense 2004;23:520-523.
  14. Etta HE, Udoh PB Asuquo BO et al. Effect of Phyllanthus amarus on breeding efficiency of female albino rats. Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences 2007;215-217. DOI
  15. Etta H. Effects of Phyllanthus amarus on litter traits in albino rats. Scientific Research and Essays 2008;370-372.
  16. Pucci ND, Marchini GS, Mazzucchi E, et al. Effect of phyllanthus niruri on metabolic parameters of patients with kidney stone: a perspective for disease prevention. Int Braz J Urol 2018;44(4):758-64. PubMed
  17. Sowjanya K, Girish C, Bammigatti C, Prasanna Lakshmi NC. Efficacy of Phyllanthus niruri on improving liver functions in patients with alcoholic hepatitis: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Indian J Pharmacol 2021;53(6):448-456. PubMed
  18. Husain I, Abdulrahman B, Dale OR, et al. Interaction of Phyllanthus amarus extract and its lignans with human xenobiotic receptors, drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters. J Ethnopharmacol 2025;339:119142. PubMed

See these in context on the Chanca Piedra monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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