Abstract

ANTICANCER ACTIVITY OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA AND ITS PHYTOCONSTITUENTS: AN OVERVIEW

Dr. Ashishkumar A. Kale*, Dr. Meghsham P. Anjankar, Dr. Ashwin V. Nikam and Dr. Uday V. Pawade

ABSTRACT

Background of study: The incidence of cancer is on the rise in India as well as around the World. According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019, cancer is the first or second leading cause of death before the age of 70 years in 112 of 183 countries and ranks third or fourth in a further 23 countries. The calculated mean relative proportions indicated that oral, breast, and cervical cancers continued to be the major contributors to the burden of cancer in India. Medicinal plants have incredible importance because of the presence of many types of phytochemical in it, and they become the source for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Calotropis procera is one of the widely distributed plants along the world geographical area. Calotropis procera (Arka) is classified as Upavisha in Ayurveda by Bhavprakasha and Rasatarangini. This plant contains many phytochemical constituents like Cardenolides, Benzoyllineolone, Calactin, Calotropagenin etc. These phytochemicals are tested and found effective against various diseases. Aim and Objective: To review anticancer activity of Calotropis procera and its phytoconstituents. Discussion: After reviewing various In Vitro and In Vivo studies of Calotropis procera w.s.r. to its anticancer activity, it was found that Calotropis procera and its phytoconstituents shows significant anticancer, cytotoxic, antitumor, antiproliferative activities. Conclusion: From the above study it is concluded that Calotropis procera (Upavisha Arka) possess anticancer activity.

Keywords: Calotropis procera, Upavisha, Arka, Phytoconstituents, Anticancer activity.