Pashanbhed

Bergenia ligulata
Pashanbhed (Bergenia ligulata), meaning "stone breaker" in Sanskrit, is a prevalent Ayurvedic herb primarily found in the Himalayan region. Its root and rhizome are used for their supposed benefits, particularly for supporting kidney and urinary health. It is traditionally claimed to help balance Kapha dosha, making it a valued component in various traditional formulations.
PLANT FAMILY
Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage)
PARTS USED
Root, Rhizome, Leaves
AYURVEDIC ACTION
Kapha ↓
ACTIVE COMPOUNDS
Bergenin (0.5-1%)

What is Pashanbhed?

Pashanbhed, scientifically known as Bergenia ligulata, is a perennial herb belonging to the Saxifragaceae family. This plant is predominantly found in the Himalayan region and other hilly areas, thriving in rocky terrains, which gives rise to its name "Pashanbhed," meaning "stone breaker" in Sanskrit. It is characterized by its thick, fleshy leaves and a robust rhizome system.

The plant is widely recognized for its root and rhizome, which are the primary parts utilized. Beyond its distinct botanical features, Bergenia ligulata is cultivated and harvested for various applications, especially in traditional systems.

Other Names of Pashanbhed

  • Bergenia ligulata
  • Stone Breaker
  • Indian Stonefoil
Podlaskie - Suprasl - Kopna Gora - Arboretum - Bergenia cordifolia - flower

Benefits of Pashanbhed

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<h3> Absolute Contraindications of Pashanbhed </h3> <h4> Pregnancy and Breastfeeding (Pregnant or nursing people)</h4> <ul> <li>🤰</li> <li>Recommendation: Avoid using Pashanbhed during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless a qualified clinician familiar with herbal safety approves it.</li> <li>Reasoning: There is limited or no controlled human safety data for Bergenia species in pregnancy, and herbals as a class have documented risks in pregnancy. Animal and lab signals of toxicity for related Bergenia preparations support caution.</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Title: Potential benefits versus hazards of herbal therapy during pregnancy: a systematic review of available literature.</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Authors: Torun, Altun et al. (systematic review authors as listed in the paper)</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35023227/</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>The systematic review examined reported benefits and harms of herbal therapy during pregnancy and found that some herbal medicines can cause severe toxicity in mothers and fetuses, including risks of abortion and fetal harm. The authors emphasize that many herbal products lack rigorous safety data and that the potential for active plant constituents to cross the placenta can pose real risks. Because Bergenia species are used as traditional remedies but lack clinical safety studies in pregnant humans, the review supports advising avoidance of such herbs in pregnancy unless safety is established.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> Known hypersensitivity / contact allergy to Bergenia or related plants [Skin allergy]</h4> <ul> <li>⚠️</li> <li>Recommendation: Do not use topical or internal preparations if you have a known allergy to Bergenia or if you develop rash/itching after use; stop immediately and seek medical advice for severe reactions.</li> <li>Reasoning: Experimental intracutaneous tests with Bergenia extracts produced erythema and edema in animal models, indicating potential for allergic or irritant skin reactions in sensitive individuals.</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Title: Bioactivity evaluation of Bergenia ciliata.</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Authors: (authors as listed on the PubMed entry for PMID 16414865)</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16414865/</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>In bioactivity and toxicological assays, Bergenia ciliata extracts produced signs of intracutaneous irritation (erythema and edema) and systemic toxicity in experimental animals at certain doses. The study recorded skin inflammation responses on intracutaneous testing and observed systemic signs such as gastrointestinal disturbance in acute systemic toxicity assays. These findings indicate that topical exposure or high doses may provoke local or systemic adverse reactions in susceptible individuals.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> Concurrent use with antidiabetic medication (People on blood-sugar lowering drugs)</h4> <ul> <li>🩺</li> <li>Recommendation: If you take insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs, consult your clinician before using Pashanbhed; doses may need monitoring or adjustment to avoid low blood sugar.</li> <li>Reasoning: Bergenia species and related extracts exhibit glucose-lowering activity in animal studies; combining them with prescription antidiabetic drugs can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Title: Clinical Potential of Himalayan Herb Bergenia ligulata: An Evidence-Based Study.</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Authors: (authors as listed in the MDPI paper, see the PubMed/MDPI record)</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ (see MDPI record) - https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/20/7039/</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>Experimental studies summarized in the review report hypoglycemic activity for Bergenia species in streptozotocin-treated rats and other models. Several extracts produced significant reductions in blood glucose in animal experiments, supporting traditional claims for antidiabetic use. Because these effects were observed in preclinical models, combining Bergenia preparations with conventional antidiabetic therapy could potentiate glucose lowering and requires clinical supervision and monitoring.</p> </li> </ul> <h3> Relative Contraindications of Pashanbhed </h3> <h4> Young children and frail elderly (limited dosing and safety data)</h4> <ul> <li>👶🧓</li> <li>Recommendation: Use caution - avoid routine use in infants, young children, and medically frail elders unless directed by a healthcare professional experienced in herbal therapeutics.</li> <li>Reasoning: Most studies of Bergenia are in vitro or in animal models; controlled human dosing and safety trials are limited, so vulnerable groups may be at higher risk from unpredictable effects or dosing errors.</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Title: Bergenia Genus: Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology (review).</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Authors: (authors listed on PMID 33256153)</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33256153/</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>The comprehensive review notes that most pharmacological evidence for Bergenia species comes from lab and animal studies; while multiple activities (antiurolithic, antioxidant, diuretic) are reported, clinical human trials are scarce. The authors highlight the need for human safety and dosing data; until such data exist, caution is advised when considering use in children and other groups lacking established dosing guidance.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> Open wounds or active gastrointestinal bleeding</h4> <ul> <li>🩸</li> <li>Recommendation: Avoid use if you have active GI bleeding, and consult a doctor before taking Pashanbhed.</li> <li>Reasoning: Animal toxicology reports have recorded gastrointestinal signs (diarrhea, blood in stool) at higher doses; therefore use in people with existing GI bleeding is risky.</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Title: Bioactivity evaluation of Bergenia ciliata.</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Authors: (authors as per PMID 16414865)</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16414865/</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>In acute systemic toxicity testing, investigators observed gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea and blood in stool among experimental animals exposed to certain Bergenia extracts. These findings imply that high doses or sensitive individuals could experience GI-related adverse events, so pre-existing GI bleeding or ulcers are a relative contraindication until human safety is established.</p> </li> </ul>

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<h4> Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea, possible blood in stool)</h4> <ul> <li>🤢</li> <li>Side effect summary: Some animal studies report stomach upset, diarrhea and even blood in stools after high doses of Bergenia extracts.</li> <li>Recommendation: Stop the herb if you develop stomach pain, persistent diarrhea, or blood in stool and seek medical care for severe symptoms.</li> <li>Reasoning: Toxicology tests in animals identified gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding signs at higher doses; human incidence is not well documented, so caution is warranted.</li> <li>Severity Level: Moderate</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Available: Yes</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Title: Bioactivity evaluation of Bergenia ciliata.</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Authors: (authors as listed on PMID 16414865)</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16414865/</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>Acute systemic toxicity testing of Bergenia ciliata in experimental animals produced gastrointestinal disturbances including diarrhea and presence of blood in stool in some test animals, along with other systemic signs. The authors caution that while some extracts show therapeutic effects (e.g., hypoglycemic), toxicity signals appeared in specific tests and doses, highlighting the need for dose-finding and human safety assessment.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> Allergic skin reactions (rash, local redness and swelling)</h4> <ul> <li>🌿</li> <li>Side effect summary: Topical or contact exposure can provoke skin redness and swelling in sensitive subjects.</li> <li>Recommendation: Do not apply to broken skin; discontinue if rash or itching occurs. Seek medical care for severe skin reactions.</li> <li>Reasoning: Intracutaneous testing in animal studies showed erythema and edema, indicating potential for allergic or irritant responses.</li> <li>Severity Level: Mild</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Available: Yes</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Title: Bioactivity evaluation of Bergenia ciliata.</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Authors: (authors as listed on PMID 16414865)</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16414865/</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>Intracutaneous tests recorded erythema and edema following exposure to certain Bergenia extracts in animal models. While not a human clinical allergy study, these findings show that topical use can provoke local inflammatory responses and suggests patch testing or avoidance for those with known plant sensitivities.</p> </li> </ul>

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<h4> Antidiabetic medications (insulin, sulfonylureas, metformin, etc.)</h4> <ul> <li>Interaction_Details: Bergenia extracts have demonstrated blood-glucose lowering effects in animal models; combining them with prescription glucose-lowering drugs could increase risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).</li> <li>Severity: Moderate</li> <li>Recommendation: Monitor blood sugar closely and consult your prescribing clinician before combining; dose adjustments of antidiabetic drugs may be required.</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Available: Yes</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/20/7039/ (MDPI review summarizing hypoglycemic activity)</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Title: Clinical Potential of Himalayan Herb Bergenia ligulata: An Evidence-Based Study.</li> <li>Scientfic_Study_Authors: (authors as listed in the MDPI article)</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>Preclinical studies compiled in the review report that Bergenia extracts produced significant reductions in blood glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and other animal models. These reductions were consistent across several extract types and doses in experimental settings. The review cautions that while promising, such activity could interact additively with conventional antidiabetic therapy in humans and highlights the need for clinical monitoring and dose adjustment when combined.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> Antihypertensive medications (blood-pressure lowering drugs)</h4> <ul> <li>Interaction_Details: Some experimental data show hypotensive (blood-pressure lowering) effects with Bergenia extracts in animal models; combining with antihypertensive drugs may cause additive blood-pressure lowering.</li> <li>Severity: Mild</li> <li>Recommendation: Monitor blood pressure if starting Bergenia while on antihypertensives; consult your prescriber for advice.</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Available: Yes</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Link: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/20/7039/</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Title: Clinical Potential of Himalayan Herb Bergenia ligulata: An Evidence-Based Study.</li> <li>Scientfic_Study_Authors: (authors as listed in the MDPI article)</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>The evidence table in the review includes reports of hypotensive activity observed in animal studies (including older in vivo experiments). Though the data are preclinical, they indicate the possibility of blood pressure lowering by Bergenia preparations; therefore concurrent use with prescription antihypertensives could produce additive hypotensive effects and merits monitoring.</p> </li> </ul> <h4> Diuretics and drugs affecting electrolytes</h4> <ul> <li>Interaction_Details: Bergenia (and some plants used as Pashanbhed) have diuretic effects in animal studies; adding them to prescription diuretics may change fluid and electrolyte balance.</li> <li>Severity: Mild</li> <li>Recommendation: Use caution and monitor electrolytes and kidney function if combining with diuretic therapy; consult your clinician.</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Available: Yes</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4061584/</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Title: Comparative pharmacognosy of Pashanbhed.</li> <li>Scientfic_Study_Authors: (authors as listed on the PMC article)</li> <li>Scientific_Study_Excerpt: <p>The comparative pharmacognosy study tested several plants used as Pashanbhed and reported measurable diuretic effects in rats, with increased urine output and changes in electrolyte excretion for some extracts. Because diuretics alter fluid and sodium/potassium balance, combining Bergenia preparations with prescription diuretics could amplify these effects; patient monitoring is advised.</p> </li> </ul>