Pashanabheda
Bergenia ciliata
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).
| Botanical name | Bergenia ciliata |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. I: PAS ANABHEDA (Rhizome) |
| Also called | Bergenia ligulata (Wall.) Engl. (nomenclatural synonym) Saxifraga spp. (regional usage) |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 8330218 · Wikidata Q162348 · NCBI Taxonomy 278077 |
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 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 (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 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 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, 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
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