Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Pashanbhed

Also known as: Pashanbhed, Mutrashmari herb, Cystone aromaticus, Kalanchoe pinnata, Bergenia ligulata

Overview

Pashanbhed is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to support kidney and urinary tract health, primarily for its potential to dissolve kidney stones and promote urine flow. While commonly associated with *Bergenia ligulata*, the term 'Pashanbhed' can refer to several plant species with similar therapeutic properties, including *Cystone aromaticus* and *Kalanchoe pinnata*. It is primarily used for the treatment and prevention of urolithiasis (kidney stones) due to its anti-urolithiatic and diuretic effects. Some research also suggests potential hypoglycemic benefits. The evidence base for Pashanbhed is moderate, consisting mainly of in vitro and animal studies, with a limited number of human clinical trials, often as part of polyherbal formulations. Its traditional use involves oral aqueous extracts or powders.

Benefits

Pashanbhed offers several potential benefits, primarily centered around kidney and urinary tract health. Its most prominent effect is **anti-urolithiatic activity**, where it has been shown in in vitro and animal studies to inhibit calcium oxalate crystallization, a major component of kidney stones, and may facilitate the dissolution of existing stones. This makes it potentially beneficial for individuals with urolithiasis. Secondly, it exhibits a **diuretic effect**, increasing urine production and the excretion of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride. This action helps flush the urinary tract, reducing the risk of stone formation. Additionally, some research suggests a **hypoglycemic effect**, where root extracts may stimulate insulin secretion or improve pancreatic islet cell function, potentially aiding glycemic control in diabetic patients. While preclinical evidence for these benefits is promising, high-quality clinical trials, especially for Pashanbhed as a single agent, are limited, meaning clinical effect sizes in humans are not yet well quantified.

How it works

Pashanbhed primarily exerts its effects through two main mechanisms. For its anti-urolithiatic activity, it is believed to inhibit the nucleation, growth, and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals, which are the primary components of kidney stones. This action helps prevent the formation of new stones and may aid in the dissolution of existing ones. Its diuretic effect is achieved by increasing the renal excretion of electrolytes and water, leading to increased urine output. This flushing action helps to clear the urinary tract and reduce the concentration of stone-forming minerals. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated, phytochemicals such as saponins and flavonoids present in the plant are thought to be responsible for these diuretic and anti-crystallization properties.

Side effects

Pashanbhed is generally regarded as safe based on its traditional use, with herbal diuretics often having low toxicity. However, comprehensive clinical trial data on its side effects are limited. Common side effects are not well documented, and traditional use suggests minimal adverse effects. Due to its diuretic properties, there is a potential for **drug interactions** with conventional diuretic medications, which could lead to additive effects and potentially electrolyte imbalances. Similarly, its suggested hypoglycemic effect means caution is advised when combined with anti-diabetic medications, as it could lead to an additive blood sugar-lowering effect. **Contraindications** are not clearly established, but caution is recommended for individuals with pre-existing electrolyte imbalances or those on multiple medications. Specific safety data for special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, are limited, and these individuals should consult a healthcare provider before use. Overall, while generally considered safe, its use should be approached with caution, especially in conjunction with other medications that affect fluid balance or blood sugar.

Dosage

Traditional dosing guidelines for Pashanbhed suggest taking 1-3 grams of the powder twice daily with water after meals for the management of urolithiasis. The optimal dosage has not been definitively established by rigorous randomized controlled trials. Animal studies have utilized doses up to 1000 mg/kg for observing diuretic effects, but these findings do not directly translate to human dosing. Traditionally, it is recommended to take Pashanbhed after meals, though clinical studies specifically investigating timing for optimal absorption or efficacy are lacking. The herb is commonly consumed in powder form or as aqueous extracts. While specific absorption factors are not well understood, co-administration with water is likely to enhance its diuretic effect. There are no established upper limits or safety thresholds from clinical trials, but adherence to traditional dosages is generally advised.

FAQs

Is Pashanbhed effective for kidney stones?

Preclinical evidence supports Pashanbhed's ability to inhibit and dissolve calcium oxalate stones. While clinical evidence is limited, it is promising, suggesting it may be a beneficial complementary treatment.

Is it safe to use with diabetes medications?

Due to its potential hypoglycemic effect, caution is advised. Combining Pashanbhed with antidiabetic drugs may lead to additive effects, so blood sugar monitoring is recommended.

How long before effects are seen?

Animal studies indicate effects within days, particularly for diuretic action. However, the timeline for observing effects in humans, especially for kidney stone dissolution, is not clearly defined.

Can it replace conventional treatment?

Pashanbhed is not recommended as a replacement for conventional medical treatment for kidney stones or other conditions. It may be considered for complementary use under medical supervision.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4061584/ – This animal study investigated the diuretic activity of different 'Pashanbhed' sources, including *Cystone aromaticus*, in rats. It found a dose-dependent diuretic effect, with *C. aromaticus* being the most potent, and noted a potassium-sparing diuretic effect, suggesting its utility in managing fluid balance without excessive potassium loss.
https://ecommons.aku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1946&context=pakistan_fhs_mc_bbs – This systematic review examined polyherbal combinations, some including Pashanbhed, for their benefits in metabolic syndrome. It identified several polyherbal formulations with metabolic benefits but highlighted the lack of isolated Pashanbhed randomized controlled trials, indicating the need for more specific research on the single herb.
https://journals.indexcopernicus.com/api/file/viewByFileId/1748984 – This meta-analysis focused on the in vitro antiurolithiatic activity of various plant extracts, including those containing Pashanbhed. It concluded that Pashanbhed-containing extracts significantly inhibited calcium oxalate crystallization, providing strong in vitro evidence for its traditional use in kidney stone management, though clinical relevance requires further study.