ANTIUROLITHIATIC ACTIVITY OF LUPEOL, THE ACTIVE CONSTITUENT ISOLATED FROM CRATEVA-NURVALA

In the traditional Indian system of medicine Crateva nurvala (Hindi: V aruna) constitutes a major ingredient of formulations used to treat ur inary disorders including urolithiasis. In an earlier study we confirm ed the antiurolithiatic activity in the crude extract of the plant, an d further fractionation led to the isolation of the active constituent lupeol (Lup-20(29)-en-3 beta-ol). Antiurolithiatic activity of lupeol was assessed in rats by observing the weight of the stone, biochemica l analysis of serum and urine, and histopathology of bladder and kidne y. Lupeol not only prevented the formation of vesical calculi but also reduced the size of the preformed stones.