Phyllanthus fraternus is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Ayurveda and other folk medicine systems to support liver health, including the management of liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Various species within the Phyllanthus genus, most notably Phyllanthus niruri, have been more extensively studied for their hepatoprotective properties, but P. fraternus is often used interchangeably in traditional contexts due to similar phytochemical profiles.

Traditional use is based on the belief that extracts of P. fraternus can help detoxify the liver, reduce inflammation, and support liver function. In Ayurvedic texts, the plant is described as “Bhoomyamalaki” and is used for jaundice, hepatitis, and other liver ailments. However, direct scientific studies specifically evaluating P. fraternus for cirrhosis are limited. Most available research focuses on animal models of liver injury or on related species, with some evidence suggesting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects.

Overall, the use of P. fraternus for cirrhosis is grounded primarily in traditional medicine, with limited but suggestive preclinical evidence. Robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and therefore its use should be considered as supplementary and not as a replacement for established medical therapies for liver cirrhosis.