Coin-leaf desmodium

Botanical

What is it

Coin-leaf desmodium (Desmodium styracifolium), known in Chinese herbal medicine as Jin Qian Cao, is a perennial herb used traditionally for urinary tract stones, gallstones, and damp-heat conditions.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Kidney stone support

Limited Evidence

Small clinical studies and animal data suggest possible benefit in calcium oxalate stone formation. Evidence is preliminary and most rigorous trials are not available in English.

How it works

The plant contains flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds. Animal and small clinical studies suggest diuretic effects, increased citrate excretion, and possible reduction in calcium oxalate crystallization, which could plausibly affect kidney stone risk. It also shows hepatoprotective effects in animal models. Human trials are mostly small and from China. Quality varies, and direct comparisons with standard urological treatments are limited.

Dosage

Traditional decoctions use 15-60 g of dried herb per day. Commercial extracts vary; the DSLD does not list a single standardized dose. No RDA or upper limit exists.

When and how to take it

Often taken with water, away from meals, especially when used to support urinary output.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Whole herb extract

Powdered or liquid extract used in single-herb or formula preparations.

Flavonoid markers vary by product

Safety

Generally well tolerated short term. Mild GI upset and increased urination have been reported. Long-term and high-dose safety in humans has not been thoroughly studied.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, or on prescription diuretics should consult a clinician.

Interactions

Theoretical additive effects with diuretics. May affect handling of other minerals through increased urinary excretion.

Frequently asked questions

Can it dissolve kidney stones?⌄

Some evidence suggests it may help prevent or pass calcium oxalate stones, but it should not replace medical evaluation and treatment.

Is it diuretic?⌄

Yes, it appears to increase urine output, which is part of how it is thought to support urinary health.

References

Coin-leaf desmodium on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Coin-leaf desmodium (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.