Calotropis procera (Arka): A Tribal Herb of Utmost Significance

Nature has gifted humans a vast variety of medicinal plants, which are the rich source of bioactive compounds. Calotropis procera is an important medicinal plant that belongs to the family asclepiadaceae. It is commonly known as madar and milkweed plant in english and arka in hindi. It is mostly found in the tropics of asia and africa. Calotropis procera is a highly valued plant in the folk medication system. Each part of the plant is richly endowed with diverse nature of phytochemical constituents like alkaloids, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, saponins, terpenes, and flavonoids, etc. These phytochemicals are significantly associated with various therapeutic and pharmacological properties such as anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, antifertility, anti-diarrheal, and spasmolytic. In this review article, the therapeutic and pharmacological value of this important plant has been summarized along with its utilization in the folklore and ayurvedic medicinal system.