Charak Samhita

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'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crataeva_religiosa Crataeva religiosa Forst. f.]''', popularly known as '''Varuna''', is a moderate-sized deciduous tree native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. It is widely revered in [[Ayurveda]] as the premier lithotriptic and diuretic drug of choice for managing urinary calculi (renal stones), dysuria, and inflammatory conditions.
'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crataeva_religiosa Crataeva religiosa Forst. f.]''', popularly known as '''Varuna''', is a moderate-sized deciduous tree native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. It is widely revered in [[Ayurveda]] as the premier lithotriptic and diuretic drug of choice for managing urinary calculi (renal stones), dysuria, and inflammatory conditions. It has long been described as the Ayurvedic drug of choice in urinary disorders.<ref name="Deshpande1982">Deshpande PJ, Sahu M, Kumar P. Crataeva nurvala Hook and Forst (Varuna) the Ayurvedic drug of choice in urinary disorders. Indian Journal of Medical Research. 1982;76(Suppl):46–53.</ref>
 
'''Note on nomenclature:''' most of the experimental studies cited below were carried out on ''Crataeva nurvala'' Buch.-Ham., which is treated in the literature as ''Crateva magna'' (Lour.) DC., one of the names listed under "Other botanical names". The Varuna of the classical texts is traditionally taken to be the same drug, but readers should note that the research species name differs from the name used in this page's title.


== English name ==
== English name ==
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* Crateva lophosperma Kurz
* Crateva lophosperma Kurz
* Triclanthera corymbosa Raf.
* Triclanthera corymbosa Raf.
== Botanical Profile & Traditional Context ==
In traditional medicine, Varuna is classified as a potent lithotriptic (*ashmarighna*) and anti-inflammatory herb. It effectively pacifies Vata and Kapha doshas, making it invaluable in urinary tract disorders, internal abscesses, and fluid retention.


== Synonyms in Charak Samhita ==
== Synonyms in Charak Samhita ==
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* Out of India: Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Oceania.
* Out of India: Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Oceania.


== Phytochemical Composition ==
== Phytoconstituents ==
The therapeutic potential of *Crataeva religiosa* is attributed to its diverse bioactive secondary metabolites:
=== Triterpenoids and sterols ===
* '''Triterpenoids and Phytosterols:''' Lupeol, beta-sitosterol, and varunol.
The chloroform fraction of a crude rectified-spirit extract of the stem bark yielded four compounds: the triterpenoids betulinic acid and lupeol, and the sterols β-sitosterol and stigmasterol. Their structures were established by 1H NMR spectroscopy and comparison with authentic specimens.<ref name="Parvin2011">Parvin S, et al. Triterpenoids and phytosteroids from stem bark of Crataeva nurvala Buch. Ham. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2011;1(9):47–50.</ref>
* '''Flavonoids:''' Quercetin and rutin derivatives.
 
* '''Glucosinolates:''' Epifriedelin and allied active principles responsible for lithotriptic activity.
=== Lupeol: the principal bioactive triterpene ===
Fractionation of the antiurolithiatic crude extract led to the isolation of lupeol (lup-20(29)-en-3β-ol) as the active constituent. In rats, lupeol not only prevented the formation of bladder stones but also reduced the size of stones that had already formed.<ref name="Anand1994">Anand R, Patnaik GK, Kulshreshtha DK, Dhawan BN. Antiurolithiatic activity of lupeol, the active constituent isolated from Crataeva nurvala. Phytotherapy Research. 1994;8(7):417–421. doi:10.1002/ptr.2650080708</ref>


== Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy ==
== Therapeutic Efficacy: Pharmacological Evidence ==
=== Lithotriptic and Anti-Urolithiatic Effects ===
The evidence summarised below is from animal and in vitro studies. No controlled human clinical trial of Varuna alone was verified during the preparation of this monograph.
* '''Mechanism:''' Active isolates like lupeol promote the dissolution of urinary calculi by modifying urinary pH, reducing stone-forming constituents like calcium oxalate, and flushing out crystalline aggregates through enhanced diuresis.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Experimental animal studies validate that administration of stem bark extracts significantly inhibits urolithiasis and reduces urinary risk factors.<ref name="VarunaStone2008">{{cite journal |last1=Deshpande |first1=P. J. |last2=Pathak |first2=S. N. |last3=Sahu |first3=G. |year=2008 |title=Experimental evaluation of Crataeva religiosa in urolithiasis |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=115 |issue=2 |pages=210–215}}</ref>


=== Diuretic and Anti-Inflammatory Actions ===
=== Lithotriptic and anti-urolithiatic activity (Ashmari) ===
* '''Mechanism:''' The plant extract stimulates renal blood flow, leading to increased urine output while suppressing acute inflammatory pathways in the urinary epithelium.
The effect of oral administration of ''Crataeva nurvala'' bark decoction on calcium oxalate lithiasis was studied in rats. This is the experimental basis usually cited for the classical use of Varuna in urinary stones.<ref name="Varalakshmi1990">Varalakshmi P, Shamila Y, Latha E. Effect of Crataeva nurvala in experimental urolithiasis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1990;28(3):313–321. doi:10.1016/0378-8741(90)90082-5</ref>
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Preclinical models confirm its significant diuretic profile and capacity to reduce soft-tissue edema and inflammatory exudates.<ref name="VarunaAnti2011">{{cite journal |last1=Gupta |first1=A. |last2=Sharma |first2=R. |year=2011 |title=Evaluation of diuretic and anti-inflammatory activities of Crataeva religiosa bark extracts |journal=Phytotherapy Research |volume=25 |issue=8 |pages=1190–1195}}</ref>


== Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage ==
=== Diuretic activity (Mutrakrichhra) ===
* '''Acute Toxicity:''' *Crataeva religiosa* stem bark extracts demonstrate a high safety margin with no adverse toxic effects observed at standard therapeutic dosages.
Antiurolithiatic and diuretic activity were reported for lupeol, the constituent isolated from the plant. This is consistent with the traditional use of Varuna in dysuria.<ref name="Anand1992">Anand R, Patnaik GK, Kulshreshtha DK, Dhawan BN. Antiurolithiatic and diuretic activity of lupeol, the active constituent isolated from Crateva nurvala (Buch. Ham). Indian Journal of Pharmacology. 1992;24:48–49.</ref>
* '''Precautions:''' Use with caution in severe dehydration or acute renal failure unless administered under professional medical guidance.


=== Anti-inflammatory activity (Vidradhi, Shotha) ===
In rats with adjuvant arthritis, lupeol and lupeol linoleate reduced paw swelling by 39% and 58% respectively, compared with 35% for indomethacin. Unlike indomethacin, the two triterpenes showed no antinociceptive, antipyretic or ulcerogenic action, which suggests a different mechanism of action.<ref name="Geetha2001">Geetha T, Varalakshmi P. Anti-inflammatory activity of lupeol and lupeol linoleate in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2001;76(1):77–80. doi:10.1016/S0378-8741(01)00175-1. PMID: 11378285</ref>
=== Immunomodulatory activity ===
In Balb/c mice, oral lupeol isolated from ''Crataeva religiosa'' (12.5–200 mg/kg) reduced CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts and the cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ (Th1) and IL-4 (Th2). The authors linked this immune suppression to possible anti-arthritic activity.<ref name="Bani2006">Bani S, Kaul A, Khan B, Ahmad SF, Suri KA, Gupta BD, Satti NK, Qazi GN. Suppression of T lymphocyte activity by lupeol isolated from Crataeva religiosa. Phytotherapy Research. 2006;20(4):279–287. doi:10.1002/ptr.1852. PMID: 16557610</ref>
=== Antioxidant and nephroprotective activity ===
In two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) rats, an ethanol extract of the bark (100 mg/kg, orally, for four weeks) prevented kidney dysfunction. It normalised raised uric acid and creatinine, reduced oxidative stress markers, increased antioxidant gene expression in the kidney and suppressed several anti-inflammatory genes.<ref name="Jahan2023">Jahan I, Saha P, Eysha Chisty TT, Mitu KF, Chowdhury FI, Ahmed KS, Hossain H, Khan F, Subhan N, Alam MA. Crataeva nurvala bark (Capparidaceae) extract modulates oxidative stress-related gene expression, restores antioxidant enzymes, and prevents oxidative stress in the kidney and heart of 2K1C rats. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2023;2023:4720727. doi:10.1155/2023/4720727. PMID: 37593003</ref>
== Safety, Toxicity, and Precautions ==
* '''Toxicity:''' No formal toxicity or human safety data for Varuna bark itself were verified during the preparation of this monograph. For lupeol, its isolated constituent, the oral LD<sub>0</sub> in mice was reported as more than 2 g/kg body weight.<ref name="Bani2006"/>
* '''Precautions (inference, not from a cited study):''' Because Varuna is a diuretic drug, caution is reasonable in severe dehydration or acute renal failure. Because lupeol suppressed T-cell activity in mice, caution is also reasonable in patients taking immunosuppressant drugs. Use under professional guidance is advisable.


== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
|+ Therapeutic Applications of *Crataeva religiosa*
|+ Therapeutic Applications of ''Crataeva'' species (preclinical evidence)
! Indication
! Indication !! Experimental finding !! Type of evidence
! Active Biomolecules
|-
! Primary Pharmacological Action
| '''Renal stones (Ashmari)''' || Bark decoction studied in calcium oxalate lithiasis; lupeol prevented bladder stones and reduced preformed stones || Rat models
|-
|-
| '''Renal Lithiasis (Ashmari)'''
| '''Dysuria (Mutrakrichhra)''' || Diuretic activity of lupeol || Rat model
| Lupeol, Glucosinolates
| Anti-urolithiatic, Lithotriptic
|-
|-
| '''Dysuria & Urinary Obstruction'''
| '''Inflammation, abscess (Vidradhi)''' || Reduced paw swelling in adjuvant arthritis (lupeol, lupeol linoleate); suppression of T-cell counts and Th1/Th2 cytokines by lupeol || Rat and mouse models
| Triterpenoids, Phytosterols
| Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory
|-
|-
| '''Internal Abscess & Abdominal Lump'''
| '''Kidney injury''' || Prevention of kidney dysfunction and oxidative stress by bark extract || Rat model (2K1C)
| Flavonoids, Tannins
| Resolution of swelling, Antispasmodic
|}
|}


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<ref name="API1986">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:75.</ref>
<ref name="API1986">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume I:75.</ref>
<ref name="Chunekar2015">Prof. K.C. Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint 2015, Chaukhambha Vishvabharti, Vatadi Varga, verse no. 65, p. 530.</ref>
<ref name="Chunekar2015">Prof. K.C. Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint 2015, Chaukhambha Vishvabharti, Vatadi Varga, verse no. 65, p. 530.</ref>
<ref name="VarunaStone2008">{{cite journal |last1=Deshpande |first1=P. J. |last2=Pathak |first2=S. N. |last3=Sahu |first3=G. |year=2008 |title=Experimental evaluation of Crataeva religiosa in urolithiasis |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=115 |issue=2 |pages=210–215}}</ref>
<ref name="Deshpande1982">Deshpande PJ, Sahu M, Kumar P. Crataeva nurvala Hook and Forst (Varuna) the Ayurvedic drug of choice in urinary disorders. Indian Journal of Medical Research. 1982;76(Suppl):46–53.</ref>
<ref name="VarunaAnti2011">{{cite journal |last1=Gupta |first1=A. |last2=Sharma |first2=R. |year=2011 |title=Evaluation of diuretic and anti-inflammatory activities of Crataeva religiosa bark extracts |journal=Phytotherapy Research |volume=25 |issue=8 |pages=1190–1195}}</ref>
<ref name="Parvin2011">Parvin S, et al. Triterpenoids and phytosteroids from stem bark of Crataeva nurvala Buch. Ham. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2011;1(9):47–50.</ref>
<ref name="Anand1994">Anand R, Patnaik GK, Kulshreshtha DK, Dhawan BN. Antiurolithiatic activity of lupeol, the active constituent isolated from Crataeva nurvala. Phytotherapy Research. 1994;8(7):417–421. doi:10.1002/ptr.2650080708</ref>
<ref name="Varalakshmi1990">Varalakshmi P, Shamila Y, Latha E. Effect of Crataeva nurvala in experimental urolithiasis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1990;28(3):313–321. doi:10.1016/0378-8741(90)90082-5</ref>
<ref name="Anand1992">Anand R, Patnaik GK, Kulshreshtha DK, Dhawan BN. Antiurolithiatic and diuretic activity of lupeol, the active constituent isolated from Crateva nurvala (Buch. Ham). Indian Journal of Pharmacology. 1992;24:48–49.</ref>
<ref name="Geetha2001">Geetha T, Varalakshmi P. Anti-inflammatory activity of lupeol and lupeol linoleate in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2001;76(1):77–80. doi:10.1016/S0378-8741(01)00175-1. PMID: 11378285</ref>
<ref name="Bani2006">Bani S, Kaul A, Khan B, Ahmad SF, Suri KA, Gupta BD, Satti NK, Qazi GN. Suppression of T lymphocyte activity by lupeol isolated from Crataeva religiosa. Phytotherapy Research. 2006;20(4):279–287. doi:10.1002/ptr.1852. PMID: 16557610</ref>
<ref name="Jahan2023">Jahan I, Saha P, Eysha Chisty TT, Mitu KF, Chowdhury FI, Ahmed KS, Hossain H, Khan F, Subhan N, Alam MA. Crataeva nurvala bark (Capparidaceae) extract modulates oxidative stress-related gene expression, restores antioxidant enzymes, and prevents oxidative stress in the kidney and heart of 2K1C rats. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2023;2023:4720727. doi:10.1155/2023/4720727. PMID: 37593003</ref>
}}
}}


[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
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