IMPORTANT APPLICATIONS OF ARKA (CALOTROPIS GIGANTEA LINN) IN INDIAN MEDICINE SUPPORTED BY PHARMACOLOGICAL DATA
Dr. Pooja Jangir* and Prof. A. Rama Murthy
ABSTRACT
Calotropis gigantea Linn. is a medicinal plant that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is commonly known as giant milkweed, madar, or arka in different languages. It is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. It has been used in various traditional systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Chinese medicine, for the treatment of various diseases and disorders. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, such as cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and latex, that exhibit a range of pharmacological activities, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, antifertility, hepatoprotective, and wound healing. The plant also has some toxic effects and adverse reactions, such as skin irritation, eye damage, and abortion. Therefore, it should be used with caution and under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. This reviews presents pharmacognostical, pharmacological and uses of Calotropis Gigentia Linn. in Ayurveda.
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