Crataeva (Varuna)

Scientific name: Crataeva Nurvala

Common names:

Ayurvedic names: Varuna, Varana, Sethu, Tikthashaka, Kumaraka

Chinese names:

Bangladesh names: Barun

Arabic names:    فارونا (varuna)

Rain Forest names:

Family: Fabaceae?

Approximate number of species known:

Common parts used: root bark, stem bark

Collection:

Annual/Perennial: Perennial

Height: 7 to 9 m

Actions:  Anti-inflammatory, Anti-lithic

Known Constituents:  triterpenes (of which lupeol considerd for unirayr

Constituents Explained:

Description: 

Traditional Use:

This has been used for the kidney, bladder and prostate.  Designed to soothe the urinary tract and soothe excess urination.

Clinical Studies:

Medical management of urinary calculus disease is a challange for modern science. In the present trial Ayurvedic drug “Herbmed,” which is made up of varuna (Crataeva nurvala) and banana stem (Musa paradisiaca) was assessed to see reduction and/or expulsion of urinary calculi and also to assess the role of these drugs to reduce pain during expulsion.

In this prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo control trial, total 77 patients with calculi more than 5 mm were included. All patients were evaluated either by X-ray KUB or USG KUB for 3 months. 

All patients were divided into two groups: group A included patients with calculi 5-10 mm and group B with calculi > 10 mm with either active treatment or placebo in both the groups. All patients were asked to keep a record of number of pain episodes, while severity of pain was measured on a visual analogue scale.

In group A, there was 33.04% reduction in the size of calculi in the active arm while there was a 5.13% increase in the same group in the placebo arm. In the other group B, there was an 11.25% reduction in the active arm and a 1.41% reduction in the same group with placebo. 

The preliminary experience suggests that the Ayurvedic formulation “varuna and banana stem” has promise for the management of upper urinary-tract calculi, especially renal calculi. It helps to dissolve renal calculi and facilitate their passage. In addition, it also helps in reduction of pain due to renal/ureteric calculus disease. 

References:

Patankar S, Dobhada S, Bhansali M, Khaladkar S, Modi J. “A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study To Evaluate The Efficacy Anf Tolerability Of Ayurvedic Formulation ‘Varuna Ad Banana Stem’ In The Management Of Urinary Stones.” 2008 December http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19040391