Phyllanthus urinaria has a documented history of use in traditional medicine systems, but there is also a growing body of scientific evidence regarding its antibacterial properties. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that extracts of Phyllanthus urinaria possess activity against a range of bacterial pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The proposed mechanisms include disruption of bacterial cell walls and inhibition of bacterial growth, likely due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as lignans, flavonoids, and tannins.

However, the majority of this evidence is preclinical, relying on laboratory (in vitro) experiments rather than human clinical trials. There are few, if any, high-quality randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of Phyllanthus urinaria in treating bacterial infections in humans. Therefore, while the scientific validation is promising, it is still at an early stage and primarily limited to laboratory research. Further clinical studies are needed to establish safety, efficacy, dosage, and potential interactions in human populations.

In summary, there is preliminary scientific evidence supporting the antibacterial effects of Phyllanthus urinaria, but it is not yet robust or conclusive. Its use for bacterial infections should be considered experimental until more clinical data become available.