Pashanbhed consists of rhizomes of Saxifraga ligulata (Wall.) (Fam. Saxifragaceae), a small perennial herb found throughout temperate Himalayas from Bhutan to Kashmir at an altitude between 2000-3000 m and in Khasia hills up to 1200 m altitude. The plant grows between wedges of the stones of mountain. The leaves are succulent and grow low to ground arranged in circular manner. The Latin word Saxifrage means literally "stone-breaker", from Latin saxum ("rock" or "stone") + frangere ("to break"). Pashanbhed is usually thought to indicate a medicinal use for treatment of urinary calculi (known as kidney stones), rather than breaking rocks apart.
In Ayurveda Pashanbhed’s reference is seen in Charak Samhita where the leaves are been used for Urinary stones and urinary tract related problems. Pashanbhed as per Ayurvedic texts is bitter / astringent to taste with cooling properties, useful in inflammation in urinary tract, female reproductive system; spleen related swelling, to maintain healthy heart functions and promotes abdominal pain killing action. Ayurveda mentions Pashanbhed’s exclusive usage for supporting cleansing of Urinary Bladder and promoting relief from urinary micturation.
Scientific study of Pashanbhed has shown presence of Bergenin, glycosides, tannins, beta-sitosterol, gallic acid, glucose etc. Bergenin is the principle constituent of the plant Saxifraga ligulata. It is been found that Bergenin supports anti-inflammatory, fever reducing, immunity stimulant, high sugar control and antioxidant properties. Research study of Pashanbhed whole plant also showed promising activities like calcium oxalate monohydrate growth inhibition, calcium oxalate inhibition (which helps to reduce urinary stone occurrence), diuretic action and antioxidant effect.