# Pashanabheda

> Pashanabheda (Bergenia ciliata) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Gallic acid is well absorbed (~35-45%). Arbutin (if Saxifraga species source) is hydrolyzed by gut bacteria to hydroquinone which is the active metabolite; this conversion is variable between individuals (30-60% efficiency).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Bergenia ciliata

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Pashanabheda |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta, Kashaya | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Asava/Arishtam, Syrup

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder twice daily; 20-40 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg - 1 g standardized extract twice daily

**Bioavailability:** [Bergenin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#bergenin) from Bergenia ligulata (primary Pashanabheda source) has moderate oral bioavailability (30-45%) with Tmax of 1.5-2.5 hours. Gallic acid is well absorbed (~35-45%). [Arbutin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#arbutin) (if Saxifraga species source) is hydrolyzed by gut bacteria to hydroquinone which is the active metabolite; this conversion is variable between individuals (30-60% efficiency). [Catechin](/reference/catechin/) shows 20-30% oral bioavailability.

**Optimal Timing:** Between meals with plenty of water (minimum 250 mL) for urinary and lithotriptic effects. Morning dose preferred for [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) action.

**Standardized Extract:** Bergenia ligulata rhizome extract (8:1) standardized to bergenin >5%, gallic acid >2%, total phenolics >12% GAE. Validated HPTLC fingerprint confirming species identity.

**Shelf Life:** Rhizome powder: 18-24 months; Standardized extract: 24-36 months; Tablets/Capsules: 24-36 months; Asava: 3-5 years

**Storage:** Dried rhizome and powder: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH <55%, protected from light and pest infestation. Extracts: amber containers, cool and dry. Asava: amber glass, room temperature, improves with age.

**Marker Compounds:** Bergenin, Gallic acid, Catechin, Arbutin (species-dependent), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/), Tannic acid, Paashanolactone

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional Kwatha)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Methanol extraction for bergenin isolation
- Ethyl acetate fractionation for enriched bergenin fraction
- Percolation with 40% ethanol for Asava preparation

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) (urinary tract health and lithotriptic synergy)
- [Varuna](/herb/varuna/) (renal calculi management - Varunadi Kwatha)
- [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) (diuretic and renal protective combination)
- [Shilajit](/herb/shilajit/) (mineral supplementation and renal health)
- Kulatha/Horse gram (traditional lithotriptic combination)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/pashanabheda/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.