Research progress on Bergenia purpurascens: a narrative review

Bergenia purpurascens (Hook.f.et Thoms.) Engl., a perennial herb belonging to the genus Bergenia (family Saxifragaceae), is primarily distributed in southwestern China and mountainous regions of Nepal, Bhutan, and northeastern India, where it has a long history of medicinal use. A systematic retrieval of relevant literature was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, CNKI, and Web of Science using "Bergenia purpurascens" and "Bergenia" as primary keywords, supplemented by "chemical metabolite," "pharmacological action," and "resource distribution" as search terms. This review systematically summarizes the research progress on the botanical characteristics, resource distribution, medicinal parts, chemical metabolites, pharmacological activity, toxicology, and modern applications of B. purpurascens. Its primary active metabolites include phenolics, including bergenin, gallic acid, and arbutin, which exhibit expectorant, antitussive, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antitumor, and neuroprotective activities. Recent studies elucidating the bergenin biosynthetic pathway provide a basis for industrial production. Additionally, B. purpurascens shows broad development potential in pharmaceuticals, health products, cosmetics, and landscaping. This review provides a scientific basis for further research and comprehensive utilization of B. purpurascens.