Antiurolithiatic activity of lupeol, the active constituent isolated from <i>Crateva nurvala</i>

Abstract

Abstract In the traditional Indian system of medicine Crateva nurvala (Hindi: Varuna) constitutes a major ingredient of formulations used to treat urinary disorders including urolithiasis. In an earlier study we confirmed the antiurolithiatic activity in the crude extract of the plant, and further fractionation led to the isolation of the active constituent lupeol (Lup‐20(29)‐en‐3β‐ol). Antiurolithiatic activity of lupeol was assessed in rats by observing the weight of the stone, biochemical analysis of serum and urine, and histopathology of bladder and kidney. Lupeol not only prevented the formation of vesical calculi but also reduced the size of the preformed stones.