Abstract

ARKA (Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br.): A POTENT DRUG OF INDIAN MATERIA MEDICA

Dr. Sarvade Dattatray D.*, Dr. Bhingardive Kamini B. and Dr. Jaiswal Mohanlal M.

ABSTRACT

Arka has been used since ancient times for the treatment of various ailments. In Ayurveda, two varieties of Arka has been mentioned. i.e. Raktaarka and Shvetaarka, the botanical sources of which are Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br. and Calotropis gigantea (L.) Ait.f., respectively. But as per availability of plants is considered, Calotropis gigantea (L.) Ait.f. is listed under endangered species. Among the two Raktaarka (Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br.) is more toxic and is assumed even more poisonous. Both these plants belong to Asclepiadaceae family and closely resemble each other in chemical and physiological actions. In Ayurveda, Raktaarka is also known as Arka. It is included under Bhedaniya (Vagbhata), Vamanopaga, Swedopaga (Caraka), Arkadi, Adhobhagahara gana (Susruta) and also included under Guduchyadi and Osadhi varga. Toxic principals are Uscharin, Calotoxin, Calactin, Calotropin, Calotropage. Ksheera (Milk) being an irritant, neurotoxic and also due to anticholinergic responses causes toxicity and various fatal presentation. This plant has been known to possess analgesic, antitumor, anthelmintic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antidiarrhoeal, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, oestrogenic, antinociceptive and antimalarial activity. This article aims at reviewing detailed Ayurveda and modern perspective of Arka i.e. (Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br.).

Keywords: Ayurveda, Arka, Raktaarka, Aak, Classical uses, Medicinal uses.