Saxifraga ligulata
Also known as: Saxifraga ligulata, Pashanbheda, Himalayan Bergenia, Bergenia ligulata
Overview
Bergenia ligulata, also known as Pashanbheda or Himalayan Bergenia, is a perennial herb indigenous to the Himalayan region. It holds a significant place in traditional Ayurvedic and folk medicine, primarily recognized for its applications in treating kidney stones (urolithiasis), fever, and inflammation. The plant's therapeutic properties are attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including bergenin, arbutin, tannins, and flavonoids. While research on Bergenia ligulata is ongoing, it is considered moderately mature, with a body of evidence comprising in vivo animal studies and some preliminary human clinical trials. However, comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically focusing on this species are currently limited. The existing research highlights its potential in preventing kidney stone formation and offering hepatoprotective effects, alongside preliminary evaluations of its antipyretic and antitumor properties.
Benefits
Bergenia ligulata offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in the realm of renal and hepatic health. Its most notable benefit is its anti-urolithic activity, meaning it helps prevent kidney stone formation. Studies, including in vivo rat models, have shown that extracts of Bergenia ligulata at doses of 5–10 mg/kg can inhibit the formation and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals, which are the primary component of kidney stones. This effect is supported by a human study using a polyherbal formulation containing B. ligulata, which reported a gradual reduction in urinary oxalate excretion over 8 weeks in individuals prone to stone formation, though this study lacked a control group and was polyherbal. Furthermore, Bergenia ligulata exhibits hepatoprotective effects; ethanolic root extracts have demonstrated a significant reduction in elevated liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, ALP) and bilirubin in rats with chemically induced liver damage, indicating its potential to protect liver function. It also possesses antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties, as evidenced by in vivo rat studies where a 500 mg/kg dose of the ethanolic extract reduced fever. Limited data also suggest some antitumor activity against sarcoma in rats, though this area requires more extensive research.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Bergenia ligulata's anti-urolithic effect involves the inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal nucleation, growth, and aggregation. This is partly achieved through its antioxidant activity, which helps reduce oxidative stress in renal tissues, a contributing factor to stone formation. Bergenin, a key bioactive compound in the plant, plays a crucial role by ameliorating mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress in hyperoxaluria models. The hepatoprotective effects are likely linked to the antioxidant and membrane-stabilizing properties of its polyphenols and tannins, which help protect liver cells from damage. Overall, the plant's diverse bioactive compounds interact with various renal and hepatic cellular pathways to mitigate inflammation and oxidative injury, contributing to its therapeutic effects.
Side effects
Bergenia ligulata extracts generally appear to be safe based on animal studies at tested doses. In human trials involving polyherbal formulations that included Bergenia ligulata, no significant adverse effects have been reported. The current scientific literature does not identify any well-documented drug interactions or contraindications specifically for Bergenia ligulata. However, it is important to note that comprehensive long-term safety data in humans are limited, and most human studies have involved polyherbal formulations rather than Bergenia ligulata as a monotherapy. Therefore, while short-term use seems safe, caution is advised regarding prolonged use or use in specific populations (e.g., pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions) until more extensive human safety data become available. As with any supplement, individuals should consult a healthcare professional before starting Bergenia ligulata, especially if they are on other medications or have underlying health issues.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Bergenia ligulata as a monotherapy in humans is not yet well-established, as most human clinical data come from polyherbal formulations. Animal studies provide some guidance: for anti-urolithic effects, doses of 5–10 mg/kg were effective in rat models, while antipyretic effects were observed at higher doses of up to 500 mg/kg in rats. When converting animal doses to human equivalent doses, approximately 1.6 mg/kg for kidney stone prevention has been suggested. In human clinical studies, polyherbal tablets containing 16 mg of Bergenia ligulata were administered thrice daily for 8 weeks. This suggests a total daily intake of 48 mg of Bergenia ligulata within a polyherbal context. However, it is crucial to understand that this specific dosage was part of a multi-ingredient formulation, and the efficacy of Bergenia ligulata alone at this dose is not confirmed. More randomized controlled trials are needed to determine precise and effective monotherapy dosages for various conditions in humans. Users should adhere to product-specific recommendations or consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosage advice.
FAQs
Is Bergenia ligulata effective for kidney stones?
Evidence from animal models and limited human data suggests it may help reduce kidney stone formation and urinary oxalate excretion, primarily by inhibiting crystal formation.
Is Bergenia ligulata safe to use?
It is generally considered safe at studied doses in animal models and polyherbal human trials. However, comprehensive long-term human safety data for monotherapy are limited.
How long does it take to see effects from Bergenia ligulata?
In human studies involving polyherbal formulations, reductions in urinary oxalate excretion were observed over an 8-week period. Individual results may vary.
Can Bergenia ligulata be used as a standalone treatment?
Most human data are derived from polyherbal formulations. While preclinical evidence supports its effects, its efficacy as a monotherapy is less established and requires further research.
Research Sources
- https://rjpponline.org/HTML_Papers/Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacognosy%20and%20Phytochemistry__PID__2020-12-3-10.html – This animal study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of Bergenia ligulata ethanolic root extract in rats with CCl4-induced liver injury. The findings indicated that a 500 mg/kg dose significantly reduced elevated liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, ALP) and bilirubin, suggesting its potential to protect the liver. The study provides preclinical evidence for the plant's liver-protective properties.
- https://ijpsr.com/?action=download_pdf&postid=3110 – This human clinical trial, though not a randomized controlled trial, evaluated a polyherbal formulation containing Bergenia ligulata in healthy individuals and kidney stone formers. It reported that the formulation reduced urinary oxalate excretion in stone formers over 8 weeks. The study provides preliminary human evidence for the anti-urolithic potential of B. ligulata within a multi-ingredient context.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9611975/ – This in vivo rat study focused on the anti-urolithic and antioxidant effects of Bergenia ligulata extract. It demonstrated that doses of 5–10 mg/kg inhibited calcium oxalate crystal deposition and improved renal function in a rat model of hyperoxaluria. The research highlights the mechanism of action related to crystal inhibition and oxidative stress reduction, providing strong preclinical support for its use in kidney stone prevention.
