Crataeva nurvala : A Valuable Medicinal Plant

Crataeva nurvala Buch. Ham. (Capparaceae) is a high-value medicinal tree that grows almost all over India, especially in the semiarid regions. Medicinal usage has been reported in traditional systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda and Unani, wherein the plant is frequently preferred in the treatment of urinary disorders that reoccur owing to development of antibiotic resistance by the infecting organism. C. nurvala has also been used in the treatment of prostate enlargement and bladder sensitivity. The plant is known to relieve, prevent, and promote the discharge of kidney stones. Lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from the root bark, has been shown to significantly minimize the deposition of stone-forming constituents in kidneys. Investigations have also indicated the plant has anti-arthritic, hepatoprotective, and cardio-protective actions. These multiple uses of C. nurvala along with erratic seed germination, destructive harvesting, and habitat loss from deforestation have endangered survival of the plant. As a result of this endangerment, in India the plant has been categorized as rare or vulnerable in the natural environment, making conservation of this plant crucial. This review briefly examines the biological activities, pharmacological actions, clinical studies, and medicinal applications of C. nurvala to provide direction for further research.