Phytochemical and ethno-pharmacological profile of Crataeva nurvala Buch-Hum (Varuna)：A review

ABSTRACT

Crataeva nurvala Buch-Hum (Varuna) is well known traditional Indian medicinal plant used to treat various ailments in particular urolithiasis. During last two decades, numerous ethno-pharmacological and scientific reports have been cited in the literature to support its multi-directional therapeutic potential. The plant is rich in alkaloids, saponins, triterpenes, tannins, flavanoid glycosides, glucosinolates and phytosterols. The review emphasizes primarily on folkloric uses, biological activities of isolated compounds, pharmacological activities of the extracts, clinical studies and safety profile of Crataeva nurvala to provide a comprehensive data for researchers to hit upon new chemical entity responsible for its claimed traditional uses.