Buch.-Ham.Synonym: C. magna (Lour.) DC.Family: Capparidaceae.
Habitat: Wild as well as cultivated in gardens all over India.
Ayurvedic: Varuna, Varana, Barnaa, Setu, Ashmarighna, Kumaarak, Tiktashaaka.Unani: Baranaa.Siddha/Tamil: Maavilingam.Action: Bark—diuretic (finds application in urinary disorders, including urolithiasis, prostatic hypertrophy, neurogenic bladder and urinary infections; uterine and gastro-intestinal problems). Juice of the bark is given to women after childbirth. Extract of root bark, mixed with honey, is applied to scrofulous enlargements of glands. Whole plant powder—cholinergic in smooth muscles including urinary bladder.
Key application: As antiurolithiatic. (Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)The antiurolithic activity of the stem-bark is attributed to the presence of lupeol. Lupeol not only prevented the formation of vesical calculi, but also reduced the size of the preformed stones in the kidneys of calculogenic rats. It also reversed the biochemical parameters in urine, blood and serum towards normal.The stem bark also exhibit anti- inflammatory activity, and is reported to stimulate bile secretion, appetite and bowel movement.Dosage: Stem bark—20-30 g for decoction. (API Vol. I.)
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