Varuna (Crataeva nurvala)

Varuna (Crataeva nurvala) is primarily valued as a medicinal plant rather than a dietary staple, so its profile centers on bioactive compounds rather than conventional macronutrients. Key bioactive compounds include: Triterpenoids – lupeol (approximately 0.5–1.2% of bark dry weight), a pentacyclic triterpenoid with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-urolithiatic activity; betulinic acid (~0.1–0.3% of bark). Flavonoids – quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin (collectively ~0.3–0.8% of bark extract), contributing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; bioavailability of quercetin is moderate (~20–30%) and enhanced when consumed with dietary fats. Saponins – ceryl alcohol and other steroidal saponins (~1–2% of bark), which contribute to diuretic and lithotriptic properties. Glucosinolates – glucocapparin (variable concentrations, ~0.2–0.5% in bark and leaves), a sulfur-containing compound linked to hepatoprotective and anti-microbial activity. Tannins – approximately 3–5% of bark dry weight, which support astringent and anti-diarrheal actions but may reduce bioavailability of co-consumed proteins and iron. Phytosterols – β-sitosterol (~0.1–0.4%), which may support cholesterol modulation and prostate health. Alkaloids – trace amounts of cadabacine and other minor alkaloids. Minerals – bark and leaves contain calcium (~800–1200 mg/100 g dry weight), potassium (~600–900 mg/100 g), magnesium (~150–250 mg/100 g), and trace amounts of zinc and iron. Vitamins – modest amounts of vitamin C (~15–30 mg/100 g in fresh leaves) and small quantities of B-complex vitamins. Fiber – bark preparations contain ~10–15% crude fiber. Protein – leaves contain approximately 4–7% crude protein on a dry weight basis. Fatty acids – minor amounts of oleic and linoleic acid found in seeds. Bioavailability notes: Lupeol is lipophilic with limited aqueous solubility; traditional decoction methods extract polar compounds (tannins, flavonoid glycosides) more efficiently, while alcoholic or lipid-based preparations improve triterpenoid extraction. Combining Varuna preparations with a fat source or using standardized hydroalcoholic extracts (typically standardized to lupeol ≥1%) enhances overall bioactive compound absorption.