Crataeva religiosa
Also known as: Crateva religiosa, Sacred garlic pear, Varuna, Crataeva religiosa
Overview
Crataeva religiosa is a traditional medicinal plant, primarily utilized in Ayurvedic medicine, where its bark, leaves, and extracts are employed for conditions such as urinary disorders, kidney stones, and various inflammatory states. This tree contains several bioactive phytochemicals, including lupeol, dillapiole, beta-ionone, and nerolidol, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. Current research, though largely preclinical and computational, suggests potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective, anticholinesterase, and anticancer properties. While traditional use points to its efficacy, high-quality human clinical trials are currently limited or absent, necessitating further research to validate its benefits and establish safety and dosing guidelines.
Benefits
Research, predominantly from computational and animal studies, indicates several potential benefits of Crataeva religiosa. Its nephroprotective effects are suggested by studies showing its phytoconstituents can target pathways involved in diabetic nephropathy, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation via PI3K-Akt, AGE-RAGE, and IL-17 signaling pathways. Bark extracts exhibit significant antioxidant activity due to high phenolic and flavonoid content, alongside anti-inflammatory properties through the inhibition of enzymes like PTGS2/COX-2. In vitro studies also demonstrate anticholinesterase activity, suggesting a potential role in conditions like Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting enzymes that degrade acetylcholine. Furthermore, extracts have shown antiproliferative effects against human liver (HepG2) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines. Animal studies support its use in preventing oxalate-induced kidney stones and highlight lupeol's cardioprotective and analgesic properties.
How it works
Crataeva religiosa exerts its effects by interacting with multiple molecular pathways. Its active phytochemicals, such as lupeol, dillapiole, and beta-ionone, are believed to bind with high affinity to key proteins like AKT1, PPARG, PTGS2 (COX-2), EGFR, and ESR1. This binding modulates crucial signaling pathways, including PI3K-Akt, AGE-RAGE, and IL-17, which are involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell proliferation. The plant's high phenolic and flavonoid content contributes to its antioxidant effects by scavenging free radicals. Its anticholinesterase activity suggests an ability to inhibit enzymes that break down acetylcholine, potentially enhancing neurotransmission. Additionally, lupeol and its derivatives may modulate lysosomal enzymes and glycoproteins, contributing to its observed nephroprotective and cardioprotective actions.
Side effects
Currently, there is a significant lack of clinical safety data for Crataeva religiosa in humans. No human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to systematically assess its safety profile. While traditional use suggests general tolerability, and preclinical animal studies have not reported significant toxicity at tested doses, this does not translate directly to human safety. There are no documented common or rare side effects in the reviewed scientific literature. Due to the absence of clinical data, potential interactions with prescription medications, especially those affecting inflammatory or metabolic pathways, are unknown. Therefore, caution is strongly advised, particularly for pregnant or lactating individuals, and those taking concurrent medications. Comprehensive human safety studies are essential before widespread use can be recommended.
Dosage
There are no established human dosing guidelines for Crataeva religiosa due to the absence of clinical trials. Current research primarily involves crude extracts or isolated compounds in animal studies, making it difficult to standardize human equivalent doses. Traditional Ayurvedic preparations often utilize bark decoctions, but the concentration of active compounds and their bioavailability can vary significantly in such preparations. Without pharmacokinetic and clinical studies, defining effective and safe doses for human consumption remains challenging. Individuals interested in using Crataeva religiosa should consult with a healthcare professional, especially given the lack of scientific dosing recommendations and safety data.
FAQs
Is Crataeva religiosa effective for kidney stones?
Animal studies suggest efficacy in preventing oxalate-induced kidney stones. However, there are no human clinical trials to confirm this benefit in people.
Can it be used for Alzheimer's disease?
In vitro studies show anticholinesterase activity, which is promising for neurodegenerative conditions. However, clinical evidence in humans for Alzheimer's disease is currently absent.
Is Crataeva religiosa safe?
Traditional use suggests general safety, but there is a significant lack of clinical safety data in humans. Preclinical studies have not reported toxicity at tested doses, but human trials are needed.
How long does it take to see effects?
The timeline for observing effects in humans is unknown due to the lack of clinical studies. Preclinical research does not provide sufficient information on the onset of action.
Research Sources
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0324028 – This computational and in vitro study identified active phytoconstituents of Crataeva religiosa that target pathways involved in diabetic nephropathy. Molecular docking showed strong binding to key proteins like AKT1, PPARG, and PTGS2, suggesting potential therapeutic mechanisms, though clinical validation is pending.
- https://www.doc-developpement-durable.org/file/Culture/Plantes-Medicinales-Aromatiques/FICHES_PLANTES/Crateva-religiosa/Medicinal%20Profile%20of%20a%20Scared%20Drug%20in%20Ayurveda_Crataeva%20religiosa.pdf – This review summarizes the Ayurvedic profile and animal studies on Crataeva religiosa. It highlights findings that bark extracts prevent oxalate urolithiasis in guinea pigs and that lupeol exhibits nephroprotective, cardioprotective, and analgesic effects in various animal models, indicating diverse pharmacological activities.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12170497/ – This in vitro study investigated the bark extracts of Crataeva religiosa, demonstrating significant antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antiproliferative activities. The research quantified IC50 values for these effects against cancer cell lines (HepG2, A549), suggesting potential therapeutic applications, but requires clinical validation.
