Talk:Pashanabheda
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Pashanabheda |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Saxifraga ligulata Wall. |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre |
| DOI | Awaited |
Saxifraga ligulata Wall., popularly known as Pashanabheda (Stone Breaker), is a perennial herb native to the temperate Himalayan region. It is highly esteemed in Ayurveda for its remarkable lithotriptic (*ashmarighna*) and diuretic (*mutravirechaniya*) properties, traditionally used to dissolve and expel urinary stones and treat various urinary complications (*Mutrakriccha*).
English name
Stone breaker
Therapeutic uses
Asmari (renal calculi), Meha (urinary disorders), Mutrakriccha (dysuria)[1]
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Ashmaghna, Ashmabhedaka, Shilodbheda, Giribhid, Bhinnayojini
Botanical Profile & Traditional Context
In traditional Ayurvedic therapeutics, Pashanabheda is classified under *Mutravirechaniya* (diuretic) groups. It possesses a bitter and astringent taste, cold potency, and a unique extra-ordinary effect (*prabhava*) that specifically targets and breaks down renal calculi. It helps balance all three doshas (*tridoshahara*).
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Astringent (kashaya), Bitter (tikta) |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Cold (sheeta) |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Pungent (katu) |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Light (laghu), Unctuous (snigdha), Sharp (tikshna) |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Pacify all three doshas (tridoshahara) |
| 6 | Extra ordinary effect (prabhava) | Helps in curing renal calculi (ashmarighna) |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(35) | Mutravirechaniya mahakashaya (diuretics) |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 23/15 | Santarpanajanya vikara chikitsa (treatment of over-nutrition and under-nutrition disorders) |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/113 | Used as an ingredient of yavagu |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/46 | Used for Vataja mutrakriccha (dysuria) |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/60 | As an ingredient of Pashanbhedadi churna |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/64 | As an ingredient of Trutyadi yoga |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/69 | As an ingredient of Karpasmooladi yoga |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/90 | As an ingredient of Pushyanuga churna |
Dose
Important formulation
As per A.P.I.[1]
- Asmarihara kashaya churna
- Mutravirechaniya kashaya churna
Current availability
Available
- India – Found growing wild in the temperate Himalayan region.
Phytochemical Composition
The therapeutic efficacy of Saxifraga ligulata rhizomes and roots is attributed to a diverse profile of bioactive secondary metabolites:
- Bergenin: A primary active C-glycoside known for its potent anti-urolithiatic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flavonoids & Tannins: Catechin, gallic acid, and various polyphenols that enhance antioxidant defense.
- Mucilage & Minerals: Rich in calcium, magnesium, and essential trace elements.
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Anti-Urolithiatic and Lithotriptic Effects
Pashanabheda is renowned for its clinical ability to prevent, dissolve, and expel urinary stones (*ashmari*).
- Mechanism: Inhibits the nucleation and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals, while its diuretic action flushes out microscopic gravel before stone formation occurs.
- Scientific Evidence: Experimental and clinical studies confirm that root extracts significantly reduce urinary stone burden, decrease calcium and oxalate excretion, and restore normal urine output.[2]
Diuretic and Nephroprotective Actions
Its classic classification under *Mutravirechaniya* mahakashaya is backed by modern renal evaluations.
- Mechanism: Enhances glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and electrolyte excretion without inducing undue systemic toxicity or irritation to renal tubules.
- Scientific Evidence: Research demonstrates that active isolates protect renal cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis and chemical nephrotoxicity.[3]
Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties
Pashanabheda alleviates painful urination (*mutrakriccha*) through its soothing and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
- Mechanism: Downregulates inflammatory cytokines and inhibits the growth of common urinary tract pathogens.
- Scientific Evidence: In vitro assays confirm significant inhibitory zones against bacterial strains responsible for urinary tract infections (UTIs).[4]
Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage
- Acute Toxicity: Pashanabheda is safe for therapeutic consumption when taken within recommended dosage limits.
- Precautions: Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner if managing large obstructive renal calculi that require surgical intervention.
- Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Renal Calculi / Asmari | Bergenin, Polyphenols | Anti-urolithiatic, Lithotriptic, Diuretic |
| Dysuria / Mutrakriccha | Mucilage, Flavonoids | Demulcent, Anti-inflammatory |
| Urinary Tract Infections | Tannins, Glycosides | Antimicrobial, Nephroprotective |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 1: 57.
- ↑ Garabadu, D.; Krishnamurthy, S. (2013). "Anti-urolithiatic and diuretic activity of Saxifraga ligulata rhizome extract in experimental animals". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 148 (2): 435–442.
- ↑ Pandey, A.; Gupta, S.; Saxena, R. (2007). "Nephroprotective and antioxidant potential of Saxifraga ligulata against gentamicin-induced renal damage". Pharmacologyonline. 3: 450–458.
- ↑ Khandelwal, K. R.; Jain, S. (2010). "Evaluation of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Saxifraga ligulata root extracts". International Journal of Green Pharmacy. 4 (3): 180–184.