Arka (Calotropis procera)

Arka (Calotropis procera) is a hardy, perennial shrub widely found in tropical and subtropical regions. In Ayurveda, it is regarded as a powerful herb with deep cleansing, digestive, and pain-relieving properties. It is classified as “Ushna” (hot in potency) and “Tikshna” (sharp) in nature, often used for skin disorders, digestive ailments, and respiratory issues.
In the Unani system, Arka is valued for its resolvent, deobstruent, and analgesic effects. It is prescribed for joint pain, skin diseases, and to stimulate digestion. Modern science has also investigated Arka for its anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal and wound-healing properties, though toxicity concerns require careful dose control [1][2].

Morphology - Habitat and Plant Morphology

Ayurveda - Arka is described as a medium-sized shrub growing up to 2-4 meters in height, with thick, opposite leaves covered in a waxy coating and a characteristic milky latex. Its flowers are typically purple with white margins. It thrives in dry, barren lands and is considered highly adaptable.
Unani - Known as “Aak” in Unani texts, it is characterized as a wild, heat-loving plant that flourishes in arid climates. Unani physicians note its strong, pungent latex, which is considered medicinal but potentially harmful in excess. Furthermore, every part of the plant has been used for medicinal purposes.
Modern Science - Calotropis procera grows in Asia, Africa, and parts of the Middle East, particularly in wastelands and sandy soils. The latex contains a complex mix of alkaloids, glycosides, and enzymes, some of which have potent pharmacological activity. [3][4]

Source and Part Used & General Dose

• Source - Naturally occurring wild shrub
• Parts Used - Leaves, flowers, roots, bark, and latex
• General Dose -
  
  • Ayurveda: Powdered leaf or root - 250 mg to 1 g; Latex - 1-2 drops (external use only)
  • Unani: Dried leaf or bark - 500 mg to 1 g; Latex - applied externally after dilution
  • Internal use must be supervised due to potential toxicity [5][6]

Properties of the Herb

• Ayurveda uses: Anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, appetizer, astringent, bitter tonic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, rejuvenative, stomachic.
• Unani uses: Anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, appetizer, astringent, blood purifier, carminative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, liver tonic, stomachic, tonic.
• Modern Science: Contains cardenolides, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and proteolytic enzymes contributing to antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing actions [7][8].

Benefits According to Health Concern

Skin Disorders

• Ayurveda: Latex used externally for eczema, ringworm, and leprosy.
• Unani: Used as a topical paste for vitiligo and other skin lesions.
• Modern Science: Exhibits antimicrobial effects against common skin pathogens [4][5].

Pain and Inflammation

• Ayurveda & Unani: Leaf warmed and applied to swollen joints to relieve pain.
• Modern Science: Anti-inflammatory properties confirmed in animal studies [2][8].

Digestive Issues

• Ayurveda: Used in minute doses as a digestive stimulant.
• Unani: Decoction employed for chronic constipation and flatulence.

Multiple / Side Benefits

• Respiratory relief in asthma (Ayurveda/Unani)
• Potential anti-cancer effects under study (Modern Science)
• Wound healing acceleration
• Improves sexual health
• Asthma and indigestion
• Stomach pain relief

Forms & Dosage

• Powder (Churna) - 250 mg-1 g
• Decoction (Kashaya/Arq) - 30-50 ml
• Tablets - Standardized extracts, dose per label
• External latex paste - Diluted before application

Product Formulation

• Ayurvedic formulations like Arka Taila, Arka Lavana.
• Unani compounds where it is combined with cooling herbs to balance heat.

Risk Factors/Precautions

• Latex is irritant; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Not for pregnant women or children without medical supervision.

Side Effects

• Dermatitis, conjunctivitis (if latex contacts eyes), nausea, cardiac toxicity in overdose. [6][7]

Conclusion

Calotropis procera, or Arka/Madar, is a valued plant in Ayurvedic, Unani, and traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic uses. Though classified as an organic irritant poison, it is used to treat various ailments and as green manure to enrich soil and retain moisture in arid regions. Every part of the plant holds medicinal value, making it an important resource in both healing and agriculture. Its long-standing role in Eastern medicine and rising interest in the West highlight its potential for further scientific exploration.

FAQs

Q1: Can Arka be used internally?

• Ayurveda: Yes, but only in extremely small, supervised doses due to toxicity.
• Unani: Used internally in processed forms, often with cooling agents.
• Modern Science: Internal use is not recommended without controlled extraction due to risk of poisoning.

Q2: Is Arka safe during pregnancy?

• Ayurveda & Unani: Contraindicated due to its strong potency and risk of miscarriage.
• Modern Science: No safety data; avoid use.

Q3: Can Arka cure skin diseases permanently?

• Ayurveda & Unani: May relieve symptoms and assist healing but not a guaranteed permanent cure.
• Modern Science: Shows antimicrobial effects, but long-term efficacy is unproven.

Bibliography

1. Habeeb A, Ramesh S, Shanmugam R. Calotropis procera and the Pharmacological Properties of Its Aqueous Leaf Extract: A Review. JSM Conserv Dent. 2024;16(5):e60354. PMC11178124 – A comprehensive review detailing the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and modern pharmacological findings on Calotropis procera.
    
2. Rabelo AC, et al. An overview of characteristics and potential of Calotropis procera. Front Plant Sci. 2021;12:690806. DOI:10.3389/fpls.2021.690806 – Summarizes ecological adaptability, chemical composition, and pharmacological activities.
    
3. El-Far AH, et al. Systematic review on the biological evaluation of Calotropis procera. Future J Pharm Sci. 2023;9:51. DOI:10.1186/s43094-023-00467-3 – Discusses therapeutic activities including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects with toxicity insights.
    
4. Youssef FS, et al. Phytochemical constituents and pharmacological potential of Calotropis procera. RSC Adv. 2021;11(28):18018–18036. DOI:10.1039/D1RA06703F – Detailed chemical profiling and pharmacology of various plant parts.
    
5. Raghubir R, Rasik AM, Gupta AJ. Healing potential of Calotropis procera on dermal wounds in guinea pigs. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999;68(2-3):261–266. DOI:10.1016/S0378-8741(99)00118-X – Animal study demonstrating wound-healing efficacy.
    
6. Iyadurai R, Gunasekaran K, Jose A, Pitchaimuthu K. Calotropis poisoning with severe cardiac toxicity: A case report. J Family Med Prim Care. 2020;9(8):4444–4447. PMC7586564 – Clinical case describing cardiac complications from ingestion.
    
7. Al Ghadeer H, et al. Corneal toxicity after self-application of Calotropis procera latex. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol. 2019;26(2):110–112. DOI:10.4103/meajo.MEAJO_13_19 – Reports severe eye injury from latex exposure.
    
8. de Lima JM, de Freitas FJ, Amorim RN, et al. Clinical and pathological effects of Calotropis procera exposure in sheep and rats. Toxicon. 2011;57(2):183–189. DOI:10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.11.007 – Experimental study detailing toxic effects on animals.