Pashanbheda (Bergenia ciliata): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Pashanbheda work to break down kidney stones?

Pashanbheda (Bergenia ciliata) contains active compounds including bergenin, afzelechin, and catechin that exhibit lithotriptic (stone-breaking) properties. These compounds are believed to help dissolve calcium-based stones and inhibit new stone formation by reducing calcium oxalate crystallization in the urinary tract. The herb also acts as a diuretic, increasing urine output to help flush urinary passages. Traditional Ayurvedic use spans centuries, though clinical evidence remains limited (Evidence Level C). The name 'Pashanbheda' literally translates to 'stone breaker' in Sanskrit, reflecting its primary traditional indication.

Is Pashanbheda safe to take during pregnancy?

Pashanbheda is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided. The herb's diuretic properties and potential effects on uterine tissue pose risks during pregnancy. Traditional Ayurvedic texts and modern safety assessments classify it as unsafe for pregnant women. There is insufficient safety data for breastfeeding women, so avoidance is recommended. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should not use Pashanbheda. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for pregnancy-safe alternatives to manage kidney stones or urinary tract conditions.

What is the recommended dosage of Pashanbheda for kidney stones?

Traditional Ayurvedic practice recommends 3-5 grams of dried rhizome prepared as a decoction, taken once or twice daily. Standardized extracts are typically dosed at 500 mg twice daily. The decoction is prepared by boiling the rhizome in water for 10-15 minutes, then straining. Dosage should be adjusted based on individual tolerance and under guidance from a qualified practitioner. Evidence supporting specific dosing regimens is limited (Evidence Level C). Always follow product-specific label instructions when available and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing.

Does Pashanbheda interact with any medications?

Pashanbheda may interact with diuretic medications, as it naturally increases urine output and could enhance diuretic effects, potentially leading to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. Due to its effects on urinary output, it may alter the elimination of drugs processed through the kidneys. Patients taking lithium, antihypertensives, or prescription diuretics should consult a healthcare provider before use. Comprehensive interaction studies are lacking, so patients should disclose all herbal supplement use to their healthcare provider to assess potential interactions with their specific medications.

What are the side effects of taking Pashanbheda?

Common side effects of Pashanbheda include gastrointestinal upset (nausea, stomach discomfort) and increased urination due to its diuretic action. These effects are typically mild and resolve with discontinued use. Some individuals may experience loose stools from the herb's tannin content. Allergic reactions are rare but possible. Taking the herb with food may reduce GI irritation. If side effects persist or worsen, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider. Long-term safety data is limited, so extended use should be monitored by a qualified practitioner.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Bergenia ciliata, commonly known as Pashanbheda, is a medicinal herb from the Saxifragaceae family used primarily for treating kidney stones and various other ailments [PMID:29102914, PMID:23256653].

Background

Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. is a perennial medicinal plant predominantly found in the Indian Himalayan Region [PMID:38091581, PMID:32377047]. It belongs to the Saxifragaceae family and is used in traditional Chinese, Nepalese, and Indian medicine [PMID:23256653].

Traditional uses

It is traditionally used to treat kidney and bladder stones, cough, pulmonary diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes mellitus, rheumatism, wounds, burns, and dental disorders such as tooth decay and toothaches [PMID:29102914, PMID:23256653, PMID:16414865, PMID:30898582, PMID:39577678].

Active compounds

Active compounds include bergenin, norbergenin, catechin, gallic acid, arbutin, polyphenols, pyrogallol, rutin, morin, quercetin rhamnodiglucoside, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol, and palmatic acid [PMID:23256653, PMID:31694704, PMID:37654052].

Mechanism of action

Bergenin has demonstrated anti-Helicobacter pylori activity [PMID:30362366]. In silico studies suggest flavonoids like 3-O-galloylepicatechin may inhibit AChE and GSK-3β [PMID:41547327]. The extract IIIM-160 inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines, specifically interleukin-6 (IL-6) [PMID:30898582].

Clinical evidence

Evidence CKidney Stones

Reported as a well-known treatment for kidney disorders, particularly kidney stones [PMID:29102914].

Evidence DWound Healing

Ethanolic extract of rhizome showed wound healing activity in Wistar rats [PMID:34411656].

Evidence DDiabetes (Hypoglycemic activity)

Extracts of root and leaves showed hypoglycemic activity in Streptozotocin-treated rats, reducing blood glucose levels by 40-70% [PMID:16414865].

Evidence DAlzheimer's Disease (Cognitive deficits)

Methanolic extracts of rhizomes ameliorated spatial memory deficits in streptozotocin-induced rat models through dual cholinesterase inhibition and attenuation of oxidative stress [PMID:297105 la82].

Evidence DInflammation and Arthritis

The botanical extract IIIM-160 displayed anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and antinociceptive activity in animal models [PMID:30898582].

Evidence DGastric Ulcers

Safety & adverse effects

Acute systemic and intracutaneous toxicity and hemolysis tests were performed, though specific adverse results were not detailed in the provided abstract [PMID:16414865]. The extract IIIM-160 was reported to have an excellent safety-window in acute oral toxicity studies in Swiss albino mice [PMID:30898582].

Dosage & administration

Traditional healers mostly utilize the plant in powder form [PMID:29102914]. No PubMed data available. Consult a healthcare provider.

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on traditional use (reviews) and preclinical animal models (in vivo rat/mice studies) or in vitro assays. There is a lack of high-level clinical trial data (RCTs) or meta-analyses in the provided set.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 35567130 (2022) — Bergenia pacumbis (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) C.Y.Wu & J.T.Pan: A Comprehensive Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 29102914 (2018) — Bergenia ciliata: A comprehensive review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and safety. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
3.PMID: 23256653 (2012) — [Bergenia genus - content matters and biological activity]. · Ceska a Slovenska farmacie : casopis Ceske farmaceuticke spolecnosti a Slovenske farmaceuticke spolecnosti
4.PMID: 35872024 (2023) — Preparation and Characterisation of Liposomes of Bergenia Ciliata Extract and Evaluation of their Hepatoprotective Activity. · Journal of pharmaceutical sciences
5.PMID: 24696579 (2013) — Comparative pharmacognostical and phytochemical study on Bergenia ligulata Wall. and Ammania buccifera Linn.

Pashanbheda

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Pashanbheda