Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb.: A Comprehensive Review on Ethnomedicinal Significance, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities and Therapeutic Potential

Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb, is generally known as Pashanbheda, is a perennial medicinal herb commonly found in Himalayan region. Traditionally the plant has been used in the treatment of urolithiasis (kidney stones), urinary tract disorders, inflammation, cough, wound healing, fever, and various gastrointestinal disorders. Phytochemical investigation has identified various bioactive phytochemicals such as bergenin, gallic acid, catechin, tannins, arbutin, β-sitosterol, flavonoids, polyphenolic metabolite, sterols, which promote its diverse pharmacological potential. The overview study analyses show scientific investigation which identified various bioactive phytoconstituents with is responsible for its biological activities and highlight it as a valuable source for novel therapeutic agents. Google Scholar, Science Direct, Pub Med or Research Gate are the scientific research database which are used for gathering information for the study of B. ciliata. Relevant peer-reviewed articles, books and published reports are used for screening and analysis of information on ethnomedicinal, phytochemistry, pharmacology and therapeutic potential. Pharmacological studies demonstrate diverse therapeutic potential such as free radical scavenging, inflammation inhibition, antibacterial/antifungal, antiurolithiatic, antiulcer, antiviral, antidiabetic, neuroprotective as well as cardioprotective effects. Recent evidence also supports its immunomodulatory and anticancer potential. Despite promising preclinical evaluation, comprehensive clinical validation and toxicity profiling remain limited. This review aims to collect and critically analyze the available literature on the phytochemical profile, ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological activities and therapeutic potential of B. ciliata, and emphasizing its significance as a natural source for future drug development.