WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

SJIF Impact Factor 7.632

Volume 10, Issue 4, 736-754 Review Article ISSN 2278 – 4357

A SCIENTIFIC REVIEW ON GLORY OF A HOLY TREE - CRATEVA

RELIGIOSA

Sanjay K. Gowda, Chandra Prakash K.* and Varsha Jain B. A.

Department of Pharmacology, Sri Adichunchanagiri College of Pharmacy, Adichunchanagiri

University, B. G. Nagara, Mandya, Karnataka-571448.

Article Received on
ABSTRACT
04 Feb. 2021, Crateva religiosa is a rare traditional herb commonly called as Varuna
Revised on 24 Feb. 2021,
Accepted on 16 March 2021 being worshipped from ages, have immense varied treatment potential
DOI: 10.20959/wjpps20214-18671 and inculcate medicinal properties in it. The parts of the plant like
Leaves, Stem Bark and Roots have been explored for many medicinal

*Corresponding Author
properties. The plant is enriched with phytoconstituents like Alkaloids,
Chandra Prakash K. Glycosides, Saponins, Terpenoids, Phenols and Volatile Oils. It has
Department of been used traditionally by various Tribal Public and Rural Community
Pharmacology, Sri
to treat Kidney Stone, Hypertension, Malaria, Diabetes, Respiratory
Adichunchanagiri College
disorders, Pain, Inflammation and so on. But only a few of them have
of Pharmacy,
Adichunchanagiri
been evidenced in modern science. Traditional literature of the plant
University, B. G. Nagara, noted that the traditional and alternative medicinal healers uses and
Mandya, Karnataka-571448. practice prescribing the formulations containing C. religiosa for
various ailments. The scietrific data for the use of this plant for its
Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, Antifungal,
Antiarthritic are reported confirming its biological property. In the present study botanical
aspects, folkloric applications, biological and pharmacological properties of extracts has been
compiled to ease researchers for further studies in the said domain and to generate scientific
data for traditional use and witness the chemical entities responsible for claimed medicinal
properties of the plant.

KEYWORDS: Crateva religiosa, Pharmacological activities, Traditional uses, Formulations.

INTRODUCTION
Crateva is a large branched deciduous tree, sometimes referred to as Varuna, belong to
Capparidaceae Family.[1] It is also known as a holy garlic pear/temple tree and Barna Tree

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 736
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

respectively in English ansd Hindi. The tree is sacred because of its association with the
Neptune Sun-Rahu (one of nine planets) and used to worship Lord Shiva specially in
Mahashivaratri.[2]

Crateva religiosa is distributed globally in Myanmar, Indonesia, India, China, Sri Lanka,
Malaysia. It is found up to Tripura and Manipur in India, West India, the Gangetic plains and
Eastern India.[3] It can also be found on the islands of Sikkim, Andaman and Nicobar.[4] It is
primarily found on the river banks and on the temple side.[5][6]

The Plant is well known for its various pharmacological properties like Anti-oxaluria,
Diuretic, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antirheumatic, Laxative, Antipyretic, Antilithitic,
Hepatoprotection, Antiperiodic, Antihelminthic, Lithotriptic, Antimycotic, Contraceptive,
Vesicant and Rubefacient properties. Crateva religiosa bark is effective for urinary problems
and the treatment of kidney stones.[1] Besides, the fruit rind is used in dyeing as a mordant.
The wood is very rough, yellowish and uniform. It is used to make drums, pebs, sweatshirts
as well. It is also being grown as ornamental tree because of its delightful ambinece.[7]

The present review enumerates the Taxonomy, Ethnobotany, Traditional uses, available
Formulations, Biological and Pharmacological activities of Crateva religiosa.

Taxonomy and Ethnobotany

Taxonomical classification[8]
Species: Crateva religiosa G. Forst.
Genus: Crateva
Family: Capparaceae
Subclass: Dilleniidae
Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Division: Magnoliophyta [Flowering plants]
Superdivision: Spermatophyta [Seed plants]
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta [Vascular plants]
Kingdom: Plantae [plants]

Botanical aspects
It is a deciduous tree which may be small or medium in size. The tree is very much variable
as Several different species are grouped under this name. Some of them have the leaves

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 737
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

which are white in colour and others are green beneath. The flower colour, shape and size of
the fruit differs in the different species. The most noticeable differences are observed in the
seeds which may be crested with hardpoints or smooth.

Bark: Pale grey coloured smooth bark.

Leaves: Leaves have 3 elongated leaflets which are 2 to 6 inches long located on a common
stalk which is 1.5 to 4 inches long.

Flowers: Flowers are 2 to 3 inches grown across. They are white, reddish-yellow or pale
yellow in a loose cluster individually on a stalk which is 1 to 2 inches long. It has 4 Sepals
and Petals which are 1 to 1.5 inches long. Stamens are longer than petals and numerous. The
ovary is situated on about l.5 inches elongated stalk.

Fruits: 1 to 2 inches long Fruit is a berry, oblong or globose with woody rind, seeds are
embedded within the yellow pulp.[6]

Crateva religiosa flowers abundantly during March to May, at the time it sheds all its leaves.
The flowers are large, actinomorphic, hermaphrodite and complete. Flowers open in the late
afternoon between 19:00 and 20:30 h followed by anther dehiscence at 19:30–21:00 h.
Flowers extend its pollen and nectar to the honey bees, bugs, moths birds and butterflies. The
plant is self-incompatible and obligate out-crosser. Fruit-set is limited to only 22%. The
beauty of the flowers and fruits are adversely affected by the development of floral galls
induced by the insect, Neolasioptera crataevae Mani, order Diptera.[9]

Phytochemistry
Preliminary evaluation for Phytochemicals reveals the plant contains Alkaloids, Terpenoids,
Flavonoids, Glycosides, Steroids and Phenols. The plant Contain higher level of Flavonoids
than the Alkaloid content which is closely followed by Saponins. The Phenol content is of
little percentage in Crateva religiosa G. Forst bark. [10]

Rekha D et. al. has been reported that C. religiosa leaves found to have eleven compounds.
The major compounds are Hexanedioic acid, bis (2-ethyl hexyl) ester- (36.29%) , Oleic acid
(15.19%), 1, 2–Benzene dicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester–(14.98 %), n-Hexadecanoic
acid(13.10 %) and Squalene(10.42 %).[11]

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 738
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Ogunwande IA et al., has been reported that the oil of C. religiosa whole Plant contains 41.1
% and 43.5 % of aliphatic compounds and oxygenated monoterpenes respectively. The other
notable constituents like linalool and nonanal found in 30.2 % and 17.2 % respectively.
Decanal (6.3 %) and α-terpineol (5.2 %) also occurs in considerable amounts. The oil is free
from sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and contains the trace amount of oxygenated
sesquiterpenoids and monoterpene hydrocarbons.[12]

Sharma S et al., reported that normal and galled flower of Crataeva religiosa shows the
presence of eighty-four and sixty-four phytochemicals respectively, which provides the that
under stressed environments large no. of secondary metabolites and fatty acids were
produced and the flower gall extract contains much larger unsaturated fatty acid composition
than the normal flower extract. Fatty acids like Palmitic acid and oleic acid were present in a
higher percentage in flower gall extract compared to normal flower extract. Whereas myristic
acid is noticed exclusively in gall extract.[13]

Surabhi Sharma et al., reported for phenols being in higher concentration in galled flower as
compared to other in-vitro and in-vivo floral tissues. The minimum amount of phenols was
measured in normal flower callus. Total phenols were higher in galled flower followed by
galled flower callus, normal flower, and normal flower callus.[14]

Table no. 1: Secondary metabolites of crateva religiosa G. forst bark.

Sl. no. Category Constituents Reference
β-k-Strophanthin
Drebyssogenin f (or Pregn-5-en -one,11-(acetyloxy)- 3,14-
1 Glycosides
dihydroxy-12-(2-hydroxy-3-methyl-oxobutoxy)-
(3β,11α,12β,14β)
2 Phenols Phenol,2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-
Lupeol [15]
3 Terpenoids Lup-20(29)-en-3-one (Lupenone)
1-Menthol
Giganteumgenin N (Barrigenol R1) or (Olean-12-
4 Saponins
ene3,15,16,21, 28-hexol)
Stigmasterol
5 Steroid
β-Sitosterol
Linalool
Essential
Nonanal [16]
6 Oils
Decanal
(Major)
α-Terpineol

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 739
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Table no. 2: Chemical constituents of C. religiosa leaves and their expected biological
activities as per Dukes Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical database.
Molecular Nature of
Sl No. Compound Name Activity
formula compound
Antiviral, Antioxidant,
Candidicide, Antibacterial,
01 Dodecanoic acid C12H24O2 Lauric acid
Hypocholesterolemic, COX-1 and
COX-2 inhibitor.
Myristic Nematicide, Antioxidant, Cancer
02 Tetradecanoic acid C14H28O2
acid protective,
Antioxidant, Pesticide,
Hypocholesterolemic,
Palmitic
03 n-Hexadecanoic acid C16H32O2 Antiandrogenic Nematicide,
acid
Flavor, Lubricant. Hemolytic 5-
Alpha reductase inhibitor,
Anemiagenic Insectifuge, Anti-
inflammatory, 5-Alpha reductase
04 Oleic Acid C18H34O2 Oleic acid inhibitor, Hypocholesterolemic,
Antiandrogenic, Cancer
protective, Dermatitigenic, Flavor
1,2
Plasticizer
05 Benzenedicarboxylic C24H38O4 Anti-microbial, Anti fouling
compounds
acid, diisoctyl ester
Antibacterial, Antitumor,
Antioxidant, Chemo preventive,
06 Squalene C30H50 Triterpene
Lipoxygenase Cancer protective,
Immunostimulant, Pesticide

Traditional uses
Crateva religiosa has been used traditionally by various communities of different regions for
various diseases and complications. Many formulations containing Crateva religiosa plant
parts were used in Siddha and other Medicinal Systems. Details are depicted in the Table No.
3.

Table no. 3: Traditional uses of crateva religiosa.

Vernacular
Region Form/ROA Indication Reference
name
Renal calculi,
vesical calculi,
Reserve of Seshachalam
bronchitis, skin [17]
Biosphere, Eastern Velimirichettu
diseases, fever.
Ghats, India
Gastric
problem,
Akha’s tradition. China. Pak ku lu (Akha Fractures [18]
Poultices
Thailand name) (Leaves)
[19]
district Una, Himachal Barna As bowls Diabetes

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 740
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Pradesh for storing

the water
Maritime region of Oral (Bark) [20]
Awatayisan Hypertension
Togo Decoction
Himalayan and adjacent Leaf bud [21]
Shiplikan
hilly regions pickle
Dhamrai Sub-district in Leaf juice
[22]
Dhaka District, Boinna is applied to Tumour
Bangladesh swelling
Leaf paste
is spread
Villagers of Sivagangai over hands [23]
Maavalingam Diabetes
District, Tamilnadu and legs
upto 1 – 3
weeks.
Leaves,
[24]
South Benin Wontonzonzwen Decoction, Malaria
oral
Leaves &
stem-
Decoction
Nupeland, North [25]
Kulanchi Root- Malaria
Central Nigeria
Smoked &
steam bath

Nilgiri Biosphere, The antidote to

Thuvaipathy, Stem and poison and [26]
Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, leaves cures cold and
India. cough.
Adi Community. D’
Ering Wildlife Leaves [27]
Pekisiye Headache
Sanctuary, Arunachal Paste
Pradesh, India
Topically swollen parts
Akwapim North district [28]
apply Stem of body parts,
of Ghana
bark Boil Leprosy
TB and
Ekanchi-wuriagi [29]
Niger State, Nigeria root Respiratory
(N)
disorders
Pain (including
headache,
toothache,
muscle pain),
Antidote to
Rampal, Bagha District, [30]
poison,
Bangladesh
Respiratory
tract disorders
(including
asthma,
pneumonia,

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 741
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

bronchitis, sore
throat cold,
cough,
influenza,
tonsillitis,).
Skin diseases
(including
abscess,
eczema, acne,
infections,
boils, scabies,
itch, warts,
dermatitis,
sores, rash,
scar,).
Gastrointestinal
disorders
(including
dysentery,
stomachache
diarrhoea,
acidity,
indigestion,
bloating, colic,
constipation,
lack of
appetite,

Ayurvedic Preparations and Formulations

Varunadi quath – To treat nephritis, urinary calculi and other urinary tract disorders, U.T.I
Burning micturition, dysuria, pyelitis, Prostatitis, , prostate enlargement.

Varunadya ghrta – To decrease the phlegm, metabolic disorders, fat deposition, migraine,
rheumatoid arthritis, headaches and inflammatory conditions.

Varunadya taila – To treat of renal calculus or renal stone.[11]

Some of the reported formulations from traditional practitioners and its composition is
depicted in the Table No.4

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 742
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Table no. 4: Traditional formulations containing C. religiosa practised by traditional

healers.
Formulation
Form Frequency Indication Practised by Ref
components
Leaves of
Acalypha indica
L. (100 g),
Allium sativum
bulbils (50 g)
Albizia lebbeck
(L.) Benth leaves
(100 g), Crateva
religiosa G.Forst
barks (50 g),
Cardiospermum
halicacabum L.
leaves (100 g),
Delonix elata (L.)
Gamble (100 g),
Cynodon
dactylon (L.)
Pers. rhizomes
Siddha
(100 g),
practitioners
Indigofera
of
parviflora Heyne once a daily
Virudhunagar
ex Hook. & Arn. They made 5-g in the
knees Pain district, [31]
roots (100 g) as jam morning with
Tamil Nadu,
Ferula foetida warm water
India. (non-
(Bunge) Regel
institutionally
Leaves (50 g),
trained)
roots of Jatropha
curcas L. (50 g),
(100 g), Moringa
oleifera Lam
bark. Pongamia
pinnata (L.)
Pierre roots (100
g), dried rhizome
of Zingiber
officinale Roscoe
(50 g), leaves of
Vitex negundo L.
(100 g), Sugar
obtained from the
inflorescence of
Borassus
flabellifer L. (1
kg)
Albizia lebbeck Crushed the Once in the Ailments of Siddha

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 743
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

(L.) Benth. Root ingredients, morning Musculoskeletal medicine

barks (100 g), add to 3 about ½ to 1 practitioners
Azima tetracantha litres of teaspoon at a in the district
Lam. Root barks water and time taken of
(100 g), boil until with warm virudhunagar
Azadirachta the water is water till In Tamil
indica A.Juss reduced to cure. Nadu state.
Root barks. (100 1 litre. India (non-
g), Root barks of Filter the institutionally
Cardiospermum decoction. trained)
halicacabum L. Then, again
(100 g), Root concentrate
barks of Crateva d to 500
religiosa G.Forst. mL in low
(100 g), Root flame
barks of
Clerodendrum
phlomidis L.f.
(100 g), Root
barks of
Indigofera
parviflora Heyne
ex Hook. & Arn.
(100 g), Roots of
Pergularia daemia
(Forssk.) Chiov.
(100 g), Roots of
Phyla nodiflora
(L.) Greene (100
g), Root barks of
Moringa oleifera
Lam. (100 g),
Stems of
Sarcostemma
acidum (Roxb.)
Voigt (100 g) ,
Root barks of
Vitex negundo
L.(100 g), Root
barks of
Volkameria
inermis L. (100 g)
The Siddha
Allium sativum constituents medicine
Taken before
L. Bulbils (3 g), are practitioners
food, 1 time
Crateva religiosa grounded in the district
in the Arthritis
G.Forst. Barks (5 well with of
morning for 7
g), Piper nigrum small virudhunagar
days
L. Seeds (2 g) amount of In Tamil
water and Nadu state.

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 744
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

consumed India (non-

institutionally
trained)
Siddha
medicine
practitioners
in the district
Crushed
Until cure Swelling due to of
Crateva religiosa leaves are
Once in a vitiated Vata virudhunagar
G.Forst Leaves. externally
day, humour In Tamil
applied
Nadu state.
India (non-
institutionally
trained)
The bark of C.
traditional
religiosa crushed
healers of [32]
with whole-plant juice 2 months Rheumatism
Malda
S. ovalifolia
district, India
Roxb.
Allium sativum
L. Alpinia
galanga (L.)
Willd. Crateva
religiosa G. Forst,
Cleome viscosa
L. Crateva
adansonii DC.
subsp. trifoliata,
Curcuma sp.
The powder
Erythrina stricta
is taken
Roxb. var. Royal Thai
along with Spastic [33]
suberosa (Roxb.) Traditional
warm paralysis
Niyomdham, Medicine
drinking
Link ex A. Dietr
water
Myristica
fragrans Houtt.
Piper nigrum L.,
Piper
sarmentosum
Roxb. and
Zingiber
montanum mixed
with camphor and
sodium chloride

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 745
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Pharmacological activities
Anti-arthritic activity
Aqueous and ethanol bark extract of Crateva religiosa studied for its antiarthritic activity by
Freund adjuvant arthritis induced model.The extracts exhibit a clear arthritis protective effect
by reducing the inflammation in test animals evided by shifting the damaged hematologic and
biochemical parameters towards normal supported by decrease in the pathological lesions.
Also it is noted that the ethanolic extracts were potent compared to that of aqueous
extracts.[34]

Anti-inflammatory activity
Petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol and aqueous extract of C. religiosa (Hook and Frost)
bark studied for its anti-inflammatory activity by Carrageenan, serotonin and Histamine
induced oedema of paw and inflammation induced by Formaldehyde.The extracts exhibit a
clear antiinflammatory effect by reducing the inflammation in test animals. It is noted that the
aqueous and ethanolic extracts exhibited superior activity over chloroform and Petroleum
ether extracts.[35]

The Leaves extracts of Diethyl ether and methanolic extracts were studied for its anti-
inflammatory property by Rat hind paw oedema model induced by sub plantar injection of
albumin. The extracts show anti-inflammatory activity that is proportional to the
concentration of the extracts administered. The extract prepared by diethyl ether exhibited
better anti-inflammatory activity compared to methanolic extract and even better than
standard drugs like aspirin and diclofenac. The mechanism of action was suggested that the
antiinflammatory property may be due to its inhibitory action on the 5-lipoxygenase
pathway, arachidonic acid metabolism and cyclooxygenase Pathway.[36]

Analgesic activity
Pet ether, chloroform, ethanol and aqueous extract of C. religiosa bark (Hook and Frost) was
evaluated for its analgesic effect against the acetic acid-induced writhing model. The extracts
shows significanted analgesic activity noted that aqueous and ethanolic extract shows
superior activity compared to chloroform and pet ether extract.[37]

Antimycotic activity
Pet ether, chloroform, ethanol and aqueous extracts of bark of C. religiosa Hook and Forst
was evaluated for its Antimycotic activity by Disc diffusion method. Aqueous extract inhibits

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 746
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

the growth of A. niger and C. marinus at Minimum inhibitory concentrations 0.5 and 1
mg/mL, respectively. whereas petroleum ether and aqueous extracts are unable to inhibit the
development of C. albicans, C. krusei ,C. tropicalis and C. marinus up. The ethanolic extract
which is followed by chloroform extracts has improved efficiency against to tested
mycological pathogens thus demonstrating the occurrence of a larger amount of active
constituents with antifungal effect.[38]

Anti-oxidant activity
Aqueous extract of C. religiosa was studied for its Antioxidant activity against Paracetamol
induced hepatotoxicity. The aqueous extracts of C. religiosa on the dose level of 200 and 400
mg/kg bw show the dose-dependent elevation in GSH, GPX, SOD, CAT and TP levels than
the paracetamol treated group and hence exhibited a significant increase in enzymatic and
non-enzymatic antioxidants which indicates its antioxidant potential.[39]

Anxiolytic activity
Methanolic and aqueous extract of leaves of Crataeva religiosa was demonstrated for its
anxiolytic activity evaluated by Open Field test, Light and dark box models. The extracts
exhibited significant anxiolytic activity noted that Methanolic extract displayed superior
activity when compared with and aqueous leaf extract, standard and control treatment groups
using light and box test.[40]

CNS depressant activity

Petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and aqueous leaves extracts were studied for its CNS
depressant activity against Pentobarbitone induces sleeping time and locomotor activity using
actophotometer. Crataeva religiosa leaves extract produced a quicker onset of sleep latency
when compared to control. It also increased the duration of sleeping time significantly. The
extracts of Crataeva religiosa possibly acts by increasing the GABAergic inhibition in the
CNS through membrane hyperpolarization which results in decreased firing rate of critical
neurons or through direct activation of GABA receptors by the extracts.[41]

Hepatoprotective activity
Ethanolic (80%) extracts of C. religiosa leaves was evaluated for its Hepatoprotective activity
against liver injury induced by Paracetamol. The ALT and AST were reduced significantly
after extract administration which indicates the plasma membrane stabilisation and hepatic

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 747
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

tissue repair caused by paracetamol. The protein levels also become normal from
hypoproteinemia.[42]

Wound healing activity

Methanolic extract of C. religiosa leaves was studies for its wound healing potential.
Different ointments of the extracts (0.0, 50 and 100 mg/kg) formulated with soft paraffin,
wool fat, hard paraffin and cetostearyl alcohol were found to be beneficial in wound healing.
The exhibited activity is superior compared to penicillin. The wound treated using the extract
dried quicker demonstrating that the extract had extra wound healing mechanism when
compared to that of penicillin.[43]

Suppression of T. lymphocyte activity.

Leupeol isolated from the n-hexane extract of C. religiosa stem bark shows
Immunosuppression property by suppressing T lymphocyte activity. It exhibits a significant
decrease in phagocytic function, decrease in Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity response in
mice, It also shows a significant decrease in the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell count. It also lowers
IL-2, IL-5, IL-4, IFNγ and TNF-α which is estimated by Cytometric bead array
immunoassay.[44]

Antibacterial activity
In Benin traditional veterinary medicine Crateva religiosa Forst leaves are used to treat
bacterial infections of Thryonomys swinderianus which is commonly named as
agouti/kholan. The antibacterial potential was assessed by microtest method employing p-
iodonitrotetrazolium contrary to microorganisms like Escherichia coli, Yersinia
enterocolitica, Shigella sonei, Pasteurela pestis and Staphylococcus aureus is taken from T.
swinderianus. Various extracts obtained from aerial parts were found efficacious against the
tested microorganisms at different concentration levels (0.31 ≤ MIC ≤ 10 mg/ml). Ethyl
acetate extracts with MIC values of 0.62 mg/ml and 0.31 mg/ml were more potent against
Ecoli and P. pestis, S. Sonei, S. aureus respectively when compared to other extracts.
The findings give an example of the classical use of C. Religiosa for the prevention of Temmi
nck Swinderianus infections.[45]

Antibacterial activity of total alkaloids extracts of C. religiosa leaves and roots is evaluated
on pathogenic germs in comparison to Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (AMC), a conventional
broad-spectrum antibiotic. Total alkaloid extracts from leaves and roots were found to be

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 748
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

more active than AMC against species of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae,
Streptococcus agalactiae , Escherichia coli and Citrobacter freundii following agar-well
diffusion method using two concentrations (50 mg/ml and 200 mg/ml). Total alkaloids
extracts of C. religiosa leaves and roots (200 mg/ml) gave the largest inhibition diameters
against all microorganisms tested compared to AMC.[46]

The antimicrobial activity of the methanol extracts when compared to those of gentamycin
and chloramphenicol aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhii. The lowest MIC
value of 0.70mg/ml for Staphylococcus aureus shows that it was more susceptible to the
antimicrobial effect of the methanol extract. The diethyl ether extract had no antimicrobial
activity while the methanol extract had a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. The
extract had no antifungal effect. The chromatographic fractionation confirmed the
antimicrobial agent to be steroidal terpenoids.[32]

Pesticidal activity
The organic extracts of cyclohexane, methanol, chloroform of Crataeva religiosa was
assessed on the insects like Sitophilus zeamais, Callosobruchus maculatus which devastate
the crops maize and niébé. The results show that the chloroform extract delivers an improved
death rate on Sitophilus zeamaïs as well as Callosobruchus maculatus while Callosobruchus
maculatus is more sensitive to the treatment.[47]

The biological impact of Crateva religiosa is evaluated on the external forms of C. serratus.
The extract decreases the viability of larvae, eggs. It also reduces the fertilisation potential of
survived females. It alters the sex ratio in favour of the males which results in the risk of
declining population growth. Additionally, it postpones the total development time.[48]

CONCLUSIONS
Crateva religiosa has been used for the treatment of a variety of diseases in folklore and
traditional medicine from centuries. The Medicinal Properties of the plant is due to the rich
source of Phytoconstituents in it. Lupeol is the only one constituent to which isolated study is
done. Although Pharmacological screening of the various parts of the plant has been explored
confirming the biological profile in relation to its traditional use, the constituents accountable
for the particular pharmacological properties haveto be confirmed by suitable molecular
mechanisms and remain unexplored extensively till date. Many traditional uses of these plant
do not have scientific evidence where we can focus on. Bioassay-guided separation, detection

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 749
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

of bioactive components is essential, and in-depth analysis is also key to the exploration of
the structure-activity relationship of such chemical components. The authors have given up-
to-date details on the existing ethnopharmacological and phytochemical status of the plant-
based on these facts.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Authors Acknowledge the HOD, Dept. of pharmacology, Principal and authorities of the
Adichunchanagiri Univerisity, Sri Adichunchanagiri College of Pharmacy for their timely
support and facilities required for compilation of the data in preparing this manuscript.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Authors have No Conflict of Interest.

REFERENCES
1. Patil UH, Gaikwad DK. Medicinal profile of a scared Drug in Ayurveda: Crataeva
religiosa A review. J Pharma Sci Res, 2011; 3(1): 923.
2. Chauhan S, Chauhan SV. Worship and trees in India. Сибирский лесной журнал, 2019;
(4): 36-48.
3. Pullaih, T. Encyclopedia of world medicinal plants. New Delhi; Regency Publications,
2006; 1.
4. Yadav, S. R., Sardesai, M. M., Flora of Kolhapur District. Kohlapur; Shivaji University,
2002.
5. Panda H. Handbook of medicinal plants. Delhi Asia Pacific Publication, 2004.
6. Warrier. P. K. Indian medicinal plants: A compendium of 500 species. France;Orient
Publication, 1995.
7. RN Parker. Common Indian trees and How to know them.New delhi; Pointer
Publications, 1948.
8. Srinivas V, Surendra G, Anjana M, Kiran AS. A Scientific review on Crateva religiosa.
Int J Adv Pharm Bio Chem, 2018; 7(1): 11-16.
9. Sharma SB, Rana A, Chauhan SV. Reproductive biology of Crataeva religiosa Forst. Curr
Sci, 2006; 90(5): 716-20.
10. Geetha S, Irulandi K, Ganesan S, Mehalingam P. Preliminary phytochemical screening of
different solvent extracts of leaves and stem of Crataeva religiosa Hook & Frost. Int J Bot
Stu, 2016; 1(4): 24-26.

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 750
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

11. Rekha D. Medicinal Plant Diversity of Needamangalam Taluk Thiruvarur District Tamil
Nadu India and Phytochemical Pharmacological and Pharmacognostic Studies of Crateva
Religiosa G Forst. PhD Thesis. Bharathidasan University,Tiruchirapalli, Tamilnadu,India.
12. Ogunwande IA, Ogunbinu AO, Flamini G, Cioni PL, Okeniyi SO. Essential oil profiles
of some Nigerian medicinal plants. J Essent oil-bear plants, 2009; 12(2): 225-35.
13. Sharma S, Mishra P, Patni V. Analysis of volatile constituents in normal flower and
insect induced flower gall of Crataeva religiosa. J of Pharmacogn Phytochem, 2018; 7(1):
2667-73.
14. Surabhi Sharma. In-vitro and in-vivo quantitative estimation of total phenols, ascorbic
acid content and antioxidant activity in normal flower and flower gall of crataeva
religiosa. Int J Pharm Sci Res, 2019; 10(11): 5103-5108.
15. Wagay NA, Khan NA, Rothe SP. Profiling of secondary metabolites and antimicrobial
activity of Crateva religiosa G. Forst. bark-A rare medicinal plant of Maharashtra India.
Int. J. Biosci, 2017; 10(5): 343-54.
16. Ogunwande IA, Ogunbinu AO, Flamini G, Cioni PL, Okeniyi SO. Essential oil profiles
of some Nigerian medicinal plants. J Essent oil-bear plants, 2009; 12(2): 225-35.
17. Reddy AM, Babu MV, Rao RR. Ethnobotanical study of traditional herbal plants used by
local people of Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve in Eastern Ghats, India. Herba Pol, 2019;
65(1): 40-54.
18. Inta A, Shengji P, Balslev H, Wangpakapattanawong P, Trisonthi C. A comparative
study on medicinal plants used in Akha's traditional medicine in China and Thailand,
cultural coherence or ecological divergence?. J Ethnopharmacol, 2008; 116(3): 508-17.
19. Gupta S, Sidhu MC, Ahluwalia AS. Plant-based remedies for the management of
diabetes. Curr Bot, 2017; 21: 34-40.
20. Gbekley HE, Karou SD, Katawa G, Tchacondo T, Batawila K, Ameyapoh Y, Simpore J.
Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the management of hypertension in the
maritime region of Togo. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med, 2018; 15(1): 85-97.
21. Chakraborty R, Roy S. Exploration of the diversity and associated health benefits of
traditional pickles from the Himalayan and adjacent hilly regions of Indian subcontinent.
J Food Sci tecH, 2018; 55(5): 1599-613.,
22. Rahmatullah M, Das AK, Mollik MA, Jahan R, Khan M, Rahman T, Chowdhury MH. An
ethnomedicinal survey of Dhamrai sub-district in Dhaka District, Bangladesh. Am
Eurasian J Sustain Agric, 2009; 3(4): 881-8.

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 751
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

23. Shanmugam S, Manikandan K, Rajendran K. Ethnomedicinal survey of medicinal plants

used for the treatment of diabetes and jaundice among the villagers of Sivagangai District,
Tamilnadu. Ethnobot Leaflets, 2009; 13: 189-94.
24. Lagnika L, Djehoue R, Yedomonhan H, Sanni A. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal
plants used in malaria management in South Benin. J Med Plants Res, 2016; 10(41):
748-56.
25. Nda-Umar UI, Gbate M, Umar AN, Mann A. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants
used for the treatment of malaria in Nupeland, North Central Nigeria. Glob J Res on Med
Plants Indi Med, 2014; 3(4): 112.
26. Hemila P, Krishnaveni C. Survey of ethno medicinal plants, nilgiri biosphere nature park
at thuvaipathy, anaikatti, coimbatore, tamilnadu, india. Plant Arch, 2019; 19(1): 441-448.
27. Jeyaprakash K, Lego YJ, Payum T, Rathinavel S, Jayakumar K. Diversity of medicinal
plants used by adi community in and around area of D’Ering wildlife sanctuary,
Arunachal Pradesh, India. World Sci News, 2017; (65): 135-59.
28. Pesewu GA, Cutler RR, Humber DP. Antibacterial activity of plants used in traditional
medicines of Ghana with particular reference to MRSA. J Ethnopharmacol, 2008; 116(1):
102-11.
29. Mann A, Amupitan JO, Oyewale AO, Okogun JI, Ibrahim K. An Ethnobotanical survey
of indigenous flora for treating tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases in Niger State,
Nigeria. J Phytomed and Thera, 2007; 12: 1-21.
30. Mollik MA, Hossan MS, Paul AK, Taufiq-Ur-Rahman M, Jahan R, Rahmatullah M. A
comparative analysis of medicinal plants used by folk medicinal healers in three districts
of Bangladesh and inquiry as to mode of selection of medicinal plants. Ethnobot Res
Appli, 2010; 8: 195-218.e
31. sakkimuthu S, Mutheeswaran S, Elankani P, Pandikumar P, Ignacimuthu S. Quantitative
analysis of medicinal plants used to treat musculoskeletal ailments by non-institutionally
trained siddha practitioners of Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, India.
J Ayurveda Integr Med, 2019; 16.
32. Saha MR, De Sarker D, Kar P, Gupta PS, Sen A. Indigenous knowledge of plants in local
healthcare management practices by tribal people of Malda district, India.
J Intercult Ethnopharmacol, 2014; 3(4): 179.
33. Chotchoungchatchai S, Saralamp P, Jenjittikul T, Pornsiripongse S, Prathanturarug S.
Medicinal plants used with Thai Traditional Medicine in modern healthcare services: A

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 752
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

case study in Kabchoeng Hospital, Surin Province, Thailand. J Ethnopharmacol, 2012;

141(1): 193-205.
34. Tripathy S, Pradhan D, Tripathy B. Antiarthritic evaluation of Crateva religiosa extracts.
Am J Phytomed Cli Ther, 2013; 4: 370-7.
35. Tripathy S, Asha M, Pradhana D. Acute and chronic anti-inflammatory evaluation of
Crateva religiosa in rats. Int J Pharm Tech, 2010; 2(4): 1270-9.
36. Ezealisiji KM. Evaluation of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of leaf
extracts of Crateva religiosa. J Pharmacogn and Phytochem, 2018; 7(6): 646-9.
37. P.Gowsalya.Effects of Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activity of Bark of Crataeva
Religiosa. Int J Mag of Eng Technol Manag Res, 2016; 3(7): 143-148.
38. Sahoo S, Mishra SK, Panda PK, Tripathy S, Mishra SR, Ellaiah P, Dash SK. Antimycotic
potential of Crataeva religiosa Hook and Forst against some selected fungal pathogens.
Acta Polon Pharmaceutica, 2008; 65(2): 245-7.
39. Jaikanth CM, Venkateswaran KV, Selvasubramanian S, Sesh PS. Screening of anti-
oxidant potential of aqueous extract of crataeva religiosaagainst paracetamol induced
hepatotoxicity in wistar rats. Tamilnadu J Vet Animal Sci, 2013; 9(1): 82-7.
40. Lakshmi NR, Hemasoundarya P, Rao BG, Tony DE, Ramarao N. Pharmacological
evaluation of leaf extracts of Crataeva religiosa for its anxiolytic activity in Albino mice.
J Pharm Sci Res, 2018; 10(2): 431-3..
41. Kanakam Vijayabhaskar, Renukuntla Pranay, Karra Ujwala, Anagandhula Sushma
Reddy, Uppari Naresh, Kalakota Chaitanya prasad. Pharmacological evaluation of crateva
religiosa, leaves aqueous extract for central nervous system depressant activity in mice.
European J biomed Pharm, 2016; 3(5): 462-465.
42. Gyawali R, Shrestha A, Khanal A, Pyakurel JS, Joshi N, Bajaj P, Chaudhary P, Thapa R.
Hepatoprotective properties of selected plants against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity
in mice. J Inst Sci Technol, 2017; 18, 22(1): 147-51.43.
43. Ajali U, Ezealisiji KM, Onuoha EO. Studies on wound healing properties of Crateva
religiosa leaf extract. Int J Pharm Res Allied Sci, 2010; 7(4): 1158-1161.
44. Bani S, Kaul A, Khan B, Ahmad SF, Suri KA, Gupta BD, Satti NK, Qazi GN.
Suppression of T lymphocyte activity by lupeol isolated from Crataeva religiosa.
Phytother Res, 2006; 20(4): 279-87.
45. Lagnika L, Anago E, Atindehou M, Adjahoutonon B, Dramane K, Sanni A.
Antimicrobial activity of Crataeva religiosa Forst against bacteria isolated from
Thryonomys swinderianus Temminck. Afr J Biotechnol, 2011; 10(49): 10034-9.

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 753
Chandra et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

46. Adounkpe MF, Medehouenou TC, Klotoe JR, Dougnon VT. Antibacterial
Pharmacochemical Activity “in Vitro” of Total Alkaloid Extracts of Crateva religiosa G.
forst.(Capparidaceae) versus Amoxicillin+ Clavulanic Acid on Germs Responsible of
Human Common Affections. J Med Plants Stu, 2018; 6: 175-9.
47. Abdoulaye SA, Dogo SE, Moussoukhoye DI. Phytochimical and insecticidal study of
three organic extracts of Crataeva religiosa Forst on Sitophilus zeamais and
Callosobruchus maculatus. Int J Appl Pharm Sci, 2014; 4(4): 13-8.
48. Gningue A, Diome T, Fall K, Sembène M. Biocidal Effect of Leaves of Crataeva
religiosa Forst on a Resistant Strain of Groundnut Bean Caryedon serratus (Olivier). Adv
Entomol, 2019; 7(04): 81.

www.wjpps.com │ Vol 10, Issue 4, 2021. │ ISO 9001:2015 Certified Journal │ 754