Bergenia species, particularly Bergenia ciliata and Bergenia ligulata, have a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and folk medicine for supporting urinary tract health and treating urinary tract infections (UTIs). The plant is commonly referred to as "Pashanabheda" in Ayurveda, which translates to "stone breaker," as it is also used for kidney stones and other urinary tract ailments. The traditional use is based on beliefs that Bergenia possesses diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which may help in flushing out pathogens and reducing inflammation in the urinary tract.

Scientific studies on Bergenia's efficacy for UTIs are limited and mostly preclinical. Some laboratory studies have demonstrated that extracts of Bergenia possess antibacterial activity against common UTI pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, studies have found anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects in animal models. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and the evidence for its effectiveness in treating or preventing UTIs in humans remains weak. Therefore, while there is a strong traditional basis for the use of Bergenia in urinary tract disorders, scientific validation is still preliminary and not sufficient to fully endorse its clinical use for UTIs.