Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb.

English Name : Hairy Bergenia, Pigsqueak

Family : Saxifragaceae

Description

Perennial, lithophytic, rhizomatous herb. Leaves variable, 5-35 cm long, coarsely hairy, sparsely hairy to glabrous, broadly obovate or elliptic; finely or sparsely denticulate or shallowly sinuate-dentate; flowers white, pink or purple, in long cymose panicles; capsules round.

Habitat

Common in shady, rocky areas or forests; temperate Himalayas and Khasi hills.

Parts Used : Rhizome and root

Herb Effects

Anticancer, antiscorbutic, laxative, cardiovascular system stimulant, alleviates spasms, antiprotozoal and astringent (rhizome).

Active Ingredients

Bergenin, (+) afzelachin and beta-sitosterol (root).

Medicinal Use

Tuberculosis and other lungs problems, dysentery, fever, cough, spleen enlargement, ulcers, menorrhagia and urinary disorders (including dysuria and kidney stones) (rhizome); cuts, burns, boils and ophthalmia (root paste).

Reference