Varuna - Health Benefits and Side Effects

Botanical Name of Varuna: Crataeva nurvala.

Other Common Names:
Three leaved caper, barun, baruna, borun, crataeva, varun, bonna pithagola.

Habitat:
Varuna is found throughout India, especially in sub-Alpine zones along streams and rivers. It prefers a wet soil with a pH of 7, with abundant sunlight. It is fund in abundance in Kerela, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal and Assam. Varuna is frequently found planted near temples, where it is cultivated for its healing qualities.

Plant Description:
Crataeva nurvala is a medium sized, deciduous tree which may reach a height of 50 feet. The bark is smooth and brown while the branches have white patches tinged with purple and yellow. Its bark is gray, smooth with horizontal wrinkling. The leaves of the Varuna are trifoliate, 8-12 cm long, with oval leaflets. The flowers are greenish-white, light yellowish or creamy colored, and are fragrant. The fruits are ovoid berries, 2.5 cm in diameter, resembling a lemon and ripening to a red color. The plant flowers in March and fruits in June.

Plant Part Used:
Bark, root bark, and leaves.

The Varuna Plant
(Crataeva nurvala)
(Click on image to enlarge)

Therapeutic Uses, Benefits, and Claims of Varuna

• The key constituents of crataeva nurvala are alkaloids; triterpenes; tannins; saponins; flavonoids; plant sterols; and glucosilinates.
• The main health actions of crataeva nurvala are diuretic, antilithiatic, rubefacient (reddening the skin by producing hyperemia) and anti-inflammatory. The bark of varuna is believed to have antioxidant, contraceptive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and urinary-renal supportive qualities, the root is laxative and lithinotriptic and the leaves are believed to be stomachic and tonic.
• Crataeva nurvala is one of the best litholytic herbs (ability to break up stones). Scientific research has indicated that a constituent of varuna, lupeol, deactivates the enzyme glycolate oxidase, reducing the body’s production of oxalates which combine with calcium to form kidney stones. Additionally varuna is used as a natural diuretic as it also could hinder kidney stones formation.
• Crataeva nurvala is an important Ayurvedic herb that is especially valued for its effectiveness in the treatment of renal conditions. Varuna is used by traditional Ayurvedic herbalists to increase appetite, while stimulating digestion and elimination and also as an herbal treatment for flatulence and abdominal pain.
• Varuna is also discussed in ancient Vedic literature as an important herb for use as a blood purifier.
• The bark of the varuna is believed to be especially effective when used to treat infections of the urinary tract.
• Crataeva nurvala is believed to relieve difficulty in urination cause by enlarged prostate and it has been used tradititonally as a natural herbal treatment in urinary calculi, dysuria (painful urination) and cystitis.
• Varuna is often used topically to dilate superficial capillaries and stimulate circulation and scientific research has demonstrated that varuna may support the cardiovascular system by maintaining the suppleness and openness of the arteries.
• Taken internally, varuna is used to reduce fever and a decoction made from varuna leaves has also been used as a natural remedy for fever and associated delirium.
• Crataeva nurvala is used as a cholegogue (promotes the discharge of bile from the system), anthelmintic (expels worms) and anti-amoebic in both intestinal and heptatic infestations.
• Varuna is considered to be a useful herb for anorexia, tumors and liver disorders and externally, varuna is used as a poultice for the treatment of cervical adenitis, abscess, enlarged spleen, rheumatic joint pain, and edematous wounds.
• The fresh juice of leaves of varuna is commonly used as a bitter tonic.

Dosage and Administration

Varuna may be used externally as a poultice, or taken internally in various forms – either as a tea or a tincture.
Topical leaf paste (practitioner directed): once a day as directed
Tea: 50 ml twice a day
Tincture: 200 mg orally twice a day (standardized to 1.5% triterpene lupeol)

Side Effects and Possible Interactions of Varuna (Crataeva Nurvala)

Varuna bark and root appear to have very little evidence of toxicity when used in normal dosages. Herbal medicine is not meant to be an alternate or replacement for knowledgeable medical recommendation or care. It should always be taken as per the instructions or directions of the physician or healthcare provider who is recommending its use. Some reports indicate that topical leaf applications may cause blistering when used on sensitive skin in humans.

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