An overview on giant milkweed (Calotropis procera (Ait.) Ait. f.)

Abstract

C. procera in India holds a pride of place largely because of its pharmacological uses and economic values. Arka (C. procera) an important drug of Ayurveda is known from the earliest time. Traditionally Calotropis is used alone or with other medicines to treat common disease such as fevers, rheumatism, indigestion, cough, cold, eczema, asthma, elephantiasis, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The plant is poisonous can lead to blindness if its juice is put in to the eyes. The silky hairs are using to stuff pillows. The wood is used in impoverished desert areas for a cooking fuel. The stem is useful for making ropes, carpets, fishing nets and sewing thread. The wood is used in making charcoal. C. procera is an ideal plant for monitoring sulphur dioxide emissions in the air. C. procera is a potential plant for bioenergy and biofuel production in semi arid regions of the country.