Botanical Overview
Crataeva nurvala, commonly known as Three-leaved caper or Varuna, belongs to the Capparaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, the bark, root, and leaves of the plant are used medicinally.
Energetics
The plant is considered cooling in temperature and drying in moisture. It has bitter and astringent tastes, with a descending directionality, and a relaxing tonicity. It primarily influences the qi.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Cholagogue
- Diuretic
- Lithotriptic
- Antiurolithic
Indications
Western
- Urinary calculi
- Edema
- Dysuria
- Joint pain
- Gallstones
- Constipation
Syndromes
- Urinary tract inflammation
- Renal calculi
- Biliary disorders
TCM
No well-defined indications documented.
Ayurveda
- Urinary difficulty
- Joint inflammation
- Biliary colic
- Constipation
Syndromes
- Vata-pitta disorders
- Urinary stones (Shulma)
- Digestive sluggishness
Unani
- Dysuria
- Edema
- Joint pain
Syndromes
- Renal calculi
- Biliary conditions
Constituents & Mechanisms
Phytochemical constituents include lupeol, crataevic acid, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins. These compounds contribute to its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and lithotriptic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction of bark: 3-6 g daily
- Powdered bark: 1-3 g, 1-2 times daily
- Extract standardized to lupeol: 100 mg daily
Safety & Contraindications
Crataeva nurvala is generally safe in traditional doses. However, pregnant and lactating women should use it cautiously due to insufficient safety data. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur. No major drug interactions are documented, but patients with kidney disorders should be cautious.
Astrological Correspondences
No established planetary or elemental rulers documented.
Selected References
- Crataeva Nurvala – CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, V. Kumar, 2003
- Indian Medicinal Plants – A Compendium of 500 Species, P.K. Warrier et al., 1995
- Phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham, Jatiksha Patel et al., 2015