The leaves have a better taste. Plant leaves are typically used in traditional remedies as well in modern extracts. P. Amarus contains a number of important bioactive compounds including lignans (e.g. phyllanthin, hyphophyllanthin), flavonoids (quercetin-3-O-glucosides), tahnins (geraniin,corilagin), alkaloids and phenolic compounds. Effectiveness appears to be attributable to more than one plant constituent.