Crataeva nurvala uses and benefits

Crataeva nurvala, commonly known as Varuna or Three-leaved Caper, is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional systems like Ayurveda and Unani. It’s native to India and is found in tropical and subtropical regions. The bark, leaves, and fruits have various traditional uses, including treating kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and digestive issues.

1. Traditional Uses:
Kidney and Urinary Tract: Traditionally, the bark is used to treat kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and related disorders.
Digestive Issues: It’s used to alleviate constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain.
Other Uses: Leaves are used for external applications like treating rheumatic pain, and the bark is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Post-Pregnancy: Bark juice is traditionally used postpartum.
2. Key Constituents:
The bark contains various compounds, including flavonoids like quercetin and rutin, tannins, saponins, and triterpenes.
Leaves have compounds like stachydrine, quercetin, and isoquercetin.
Fruits contain cetyl alcohol, tricontanol, and beta-sitosterol.
3. Potential Benefits:
Kidney Stone Treatment:
Studies suggest it can help prevent kidney stone formation and promote their discharge.
Anti-inflammatory:
The bark is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidant:
The plant contains antioxidant compounds that may help protect against cellular damage.
Other Potential Benefits:
Research suggests it may also have hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects.