ENDEAVOUR OF PASHANABHEDA(BERGENIA LIGULATA (WALL.)ENGL. ) IN UROLITHIASIS

Abstract

Urolithiasis is the formation of urinary calculi which are calculi formed or located anywhere in the urinary system. It comprises nephrolithiasis( the formation of kidney stones), ureterolithiasis (the formation of stones in the ureters) and cystolithiasis( the formation of bladder stones). Ayurvedic ancient texts have mentioned Pashanabheda (Bergenia ligulata (Wall.) Engl.), Family: Saxifragaceae, having an anti-urolithiatic property. As this is having Laghu, Snigdha, Tikshna Guna, Kashaya, Tikta Rasa, Katu Vipaka, Shita Virya and Ashmarighna Prabhava. By the virtue of above property this is Tridoshashamaka. It is commonly known as Patharchur is a perennial herb with thick rootstock occurs in temperate regions. Pashanabheda contains a number of bioactive chemicals, including tannic acid, gallic acid, starch, mineral salt, metarvin, albumin, glucose, mucilaginous matter, wax and aromatic substance. It is used as a diuretic and anti-calculus medicine. It is an antidiabetic drug, astringent, cardiotonic, expectorant, antipyretic, antidote to poison, anti-inflammatory, wound healer and anti-haemorrhoidal and it allays burning sensation and excess thirst. The present review is therefore, an effort to give a detailed focus on its botanical details, phytochemistry, pharmacodynamics, etiopathogenesis and its therapeutic importance.