bergenin

PhytochemicalC-glycosideBest with a meal

What is it

Bergenin is a polyphenolic C-glycoside found in plants such as Bergenia ligulata, Mallotus japonicus, and Ardisia japonica. It is sold as a marker compound in standardized extracts of these herbs.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support

Mixed Evidence

Multiple cell and animal studies are encouraging, but no human clinical trials have confirmed specific benefits.

How it works

In preclinical studies bergenin shows anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-arrhythmic, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activity. It modulates NF-kB and Nrf2 signaling and shows activity against cell-based oxidative damage models. Human trial data on isolated bergenin are essentially absent. Most consumer claims rely on cell and animal evidence.

Dosage

DSLD does not list a single standardized dose for isolated bergenin. Plant extracts standardized to bergenin vary by product and are typically dosed at 100-500 mg of extract daily.

When and how to take it

Usually taken with food once or twice daily as part of an herbal blend.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Bergenia ligulata extract standardized to bergenin

Used in Ayurvedic urinary and respiratory formulas.

Bergenin is the marker

Safety

Short-term use of bergenin-containing herbs has not been associated with serious adverse effects in available reports. Isolated bergenin has not been extensively studied in humans.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited data. Use cautiously with cardiac, anticoagulant, or anti-inflammatory medications.

Interactions

No well-documented drug interactions. Theoretical effects with anti-arrhythmic, anticoagulant, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Frequently asked questions

Does bergenin treat kidney stones?⌄

Bergenia ligulata, a source of bergenin, has been used traditionally for stones, with limited modern human data. Bergenin itself has not been validated as a stone treatment.

Is it safe?⌄

Short-term use of bergenin-rich herbs appears tolerable. Isolated bergenin has not been extensively studied in humans.

References

bergenin on Wikidata — Wikidata link

bergenin on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on bergenin (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.