Researchers at the Central Drug Research Institute in Lucknow have successfully used a crude extract from the plant baruri (Crataeva nurvala) to dissolve stones in bladder and kidney. G K Patnaik of CDRI's Centre for Advanced Pharmacological Research on Traditional Remedies says lupeol can be extracted from baruri and used not only to dissolve the stones, but also to ensure that they do not form again in the urinary tract.

CDRI scientists have carried out extensive trials on rats and will begin human trials shortly.