Abstract

A REVIEW ARTICLE ON ARKA: A POTENT DRUG OF INDIAN MATERIA MEDICA

Dr. Devichand*, Dr. Prem Prakash and Dr. Mayukh Sharma

Abstract

Herbal medicines have been used since ancient times and continue to be used now. Ethnobotanical pharmacy dates back to the dawn of time. Herbal medications have a wide range of medicinal applications. Calotropis procera Linn. is an Ayurvedic plant that is used to cure a variety of ailments in traditional Ayurvedic therapy. The medicinal efficacy of extracts from various areas of the plant is significant. When dried, the entire plant has tonic, antihelmintic, and expectorant properties. The roots have comparable properties and can also be used as a laxative. The latex is used to cure vertigo, baldness, hair loss, toothache, intermittent fevers, rheumatoid/joint swellings, and paralysis, while the powdered rot is used to treat bronchitis, asthma, leprosy, dermatitis, and elephantiasis. The leaves are used to decrease edoema and cure joint discomfort. Calotropis is also utilised as a homoeopathic treatment in addition to its Ayurvedic application. Calotropis procera was called as "Rakta arka" in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. The pungent latex derived from Calotropis procera's leaves and flowers is processed and utilised in the commercial manufacture of eye tonics.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Calotropis procera (Aiton) W. T. Aiton, Calotropis gigantea (L.) Dryand, Arka.