Review on Compilation of Ethnopharmacological Properties of Bergenia Ciliata: The Medicinal Herb of Himalayas

Abstract

As mentioned in the texts such as Vedas, Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, Bergenia ciliata is a known to be the ancient and medicinal plant belonging to the family Saxifragaceae. It can be found as a shrub or an herb, while some are trees or vines. The family includes about 80 genera, 1250 species and has biological properties that are possessed by the different plant parts including antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-plasmodial, antitumor, antitussive activity, antineoplastic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Many of its members grow in rocky places. Bergenia ciliata itself shows that the plant originate between rocks and appears to break them or that it possesses lithotroptic property. It’s different plant parts are reported to have different medicinal properties. There are three species of Bergenia found in India Bergenia ligulata, Bergenia ciliata, Bergenia stracheyi. The rhizomes of these plants are used in the indigenous system of medicines.