REVIEW ON VARUNA (CRATAEVA NURVALA BUCH. HAM.) WITH SPECIAL REFERECE TO AYURVEDIC, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ASPECT

Abstract

Ayurveda consisting of treasure of valuable information regarding medicinal plants is one of the greatest gifts of ancient India to the mankind. Varuna (Crataeva nurvala Buch. Ham.) belonging to Capparidaceae family is a high-value medicinal plant. It grows almost all over India, particularly in the semiarid regions. This plant is used in traditional system of medicine against a wide variety of urinary disorders especially Urolithiasis (Mutrashmari). Reports have been cited in the literature to support its multi-dimensional therapeutic potential. It is rich in flavonoids, glucosinolates, plant sterols, including lupeol, saponins, and tannins. The largest group of plant secondary metabolites is the terpenes. Varuna has been demonstrated to possess multiple pharmacological activities such as anti-urolithiatic, diuretic, nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antidiabetic, anti-arthritic, antiperiodic, anti-poisonous anti-infertility, anti-protozoal, wound healing, cytoprotective, anti-cancer and cardio protective activity. This review highlights the comprehensive information particularly about Ayurvedic description of Varuna, Phytochemical costituents and various pharmacological properties of this popular and promising herb which may provide encouragement to investigators for conducting further research in order to develop an efficient and safe new chemical entity responsible for its claimed traditional uses.