Medicinal use of poisonous plant Arka its pharmacological study

Abstract

A poisonous plant is one that, when touched or consumed in large enough quantities, can be hazardous or lethal to humans or other animals. These plants can be utilized as herbal medicines with therapeutic effects when used in the right proportions and in small doses. One of the herbs listed in all of the old Ayurvedic texts is Calotropis procera. In Ayurveda, it is referred to as Arka. In many traditional medical systems, the various portions of the plant are used to cure a wide range of illnesses, including worm infestation, strangury, and ulcers. Ascites, anasarca, intestinal worms, skin diseases, and cough have all been treated with the root bark. The root-powered can treat cancer, scrotal enlargement, piles, boils, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, dysentery, and dyspepsia. Science-based pharmacological screens have been used by researchers to confirm the effectiveness of the compound. According to pharmacological studies, Calotropis procera Linn. exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including those that are hepatoprotective, cytotoxic, anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antioxidant, anthelmintic, wound healing, and anti-tumor. Details regarding the plant are documented in Ayurvedic botanical literature such as Dhanwantari Nighantu, Madana Pala Nighantu, and Bhavaprakash and therapeutical literature in Charak Samhita, Sushrut Samhita. This review presents pharmacognostic, pharmacological, and traditional uses of Calotropis procera.