Varun (Crataeva nurvala) is a small, deciduous tree known for its medicinal properties, particularly in urinary and kidney health. It belongs to the Capparaceae family and is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, it has been used in Ayurveda for managing kidney stones, urinary disorders, and joint problems.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Brassicales
- Family: Capparaceae
- Genus: Crataeva
- Species: Crataeva nurvala
Common Names
- English: Varun, Three-leaved Caper
- Sanskrit: Varuna
- Hindi: Varun
- Tamil: Vavunai
- Telugu: Varuna
- Bengali: Varun
- Marathi: Varun
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
- Urinary and Kidney Health: Acts as a diuretic, helping in the management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and promoting healthy urine flow.
- Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: Used for joint pain, arthritis, and inflammation-related disorders.
- Digestive Health: Promotes digestive function and may help with constipation and indigestion.
- Liver Protection: Shows hepatoprotective activity, supporting liver health in traditional medicine.
- Antioxidant Properties: Contains bioactive compounds that provide antioxidant benefits, reducing oxidative stress in the body.
Phytochemical Constituents
- Alkaloids: Cratervine, Lupeol
- Flavonoids: Quercetin, Kaempferol
- Triterpenoids: β-sitosterol, Lupeol
- Phenolic Compounds: Ferulic acid, Gallic acid
- Saponins: Crataeva saponins
- Other Constituents: Tannins, Sterols
References
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Govt. of India.
- Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.
- Kirtikar, K.R., & Basu, B.D. (1933). Indian Medicinal Plants. Lalit Mohan Basu, Allahabad.
- Mishra, L.C., et al. (2001). Scientific Basis for Ayurvedic Therapies. CRC Press.
- Singh, N., & Singh, R. (2011). "Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 137(3), 1095–1103.
- European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.
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