Abstract

AN OVERVIEW: IDENTIFICATIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA LEAVES

Md. Semimul Akhtar* and Soeb Hussain

Abstract

Calotropis procera is also known as the Crown Tree, Swallow Tree, Apple of Sodam, giant calotrope belonging to Apocynaceae family and subfamily is Asclepiadoideae that is native to North Africa, tropical Africa, Western Asia, South Asia, and Indochina.[1] It is having a number of therapeutic uses like it act as an anti-inflammatory activity, as antipyretic, in elephantiasis, as anticholinergic, in treatment of peptic ulcer, antiobestic, as antidiabetic. It also work as antidote in snake bite and it also shows anticancer activity. It is useful in treatment of disorders related to respiratory, circulatory and neurological disorders, effective in skin treatment, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, latex possesses wormicidal activity and thus may be useful as an anthelmintic.[2][3] A study is perform on Calotropis procera leaf powder and leaf extracted in different solvent systems such as petroleum-ether (60-80°C), benzene, chloroform, ethanol, and sterile water. Preliminary phytochemical identification was done along with measurement of the leaf constants, fluorescence characteristics, and extractive values. Quantitative estimation of total ash value, acid insoluble ash, and water- soluble ash may serve as useful indices for identification of the powdered drug. Histochemical studies which give information about the rows of cylindrical, palisade cells and vascular bundles may also help for identification of the tissues. These preliminary identification great value in quality control and formulation development of Calotropis procera.[4]

Keywords: Calotropis procera leaves, macroscopy, microscopy, ash values, extractive value, extractions, preliminary phytochemical identification.