Sri Lanka Journal of Indigenous Medicine (SLJIM)

Calotropis gigantea (Linn) R. Br. ex Schult
Family: APOCYNACEAE
Vernacular names: Sinhala: Vara; Sanskrit: Arka; English: Crown flower, Giant milkweed, Shallow wort; Tamil: Erukku, Arkkam, Yerikan, Yerukku; Hindi: Madar, Akoa, Akond,Akona

Calotropis gigantea is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia but has been introduced to other tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is commonly found in dry, sandy, or rocky habitats. Calotropis gigantea is a large shrub or small tree that can grow up to 4-5 meters tall. It has broad, ovate leaves that are grayish-green in color. The flowers are typically white or lavender and are arranged in clusters at the end of branches. Each flower consists of five pointed petals and a small, elegant "crown" rising from the centre, which holds the stamens. The boat-shaped fruits are mostly in pairs. When stem, branches and leaves are cut, crushed or incised, it yields thick, acrid milky white latex¹.

In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant have been used for treating several ailments. Leaves, latex, and roots, are used topically to reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism. The latex and extracts from the leaves have been applied topically to wounds to promote healing. The latex is believed to have hemostatic properties that help stop bleeding and facilitate wound closure. Extracts or decoctions are being used to alleviate symptoms of respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis. In addition to these, this plant helps to treat parasitic infections including intestinal worms and skin parasites, both internally and externally².

Research studies have shown that extracts from Calotropis gigantea possess properties such as antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-diarrheal, antifertility, antinociceptive, anticancer, cytotoxic, anti-asthmatic, antipyretic, etc. Various studies have analyzed the phytochemical composition of this plant, identifying bioactive compounds such as cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. These compounds contribute to its medicinal properties and potential health benefits³.

References
1. Madhuri Kadiyala, S. Ponnusankar, Kannan Elango, (2013), Calotropis gigantea (L.) R. Br (Apocynaceae): A Phytochemical and pharmacological review, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 150(1): 32-50.
2. Negi D, Bisht AS, (2021), A review on brief study of Calotropis gigantea Linn., Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 11(5):224-228.
3. Arpit Dwivedi, Shourya Pratap, Srishti Awasthi, Priyanka Gautam, Afreen Kadir, (2024), Calotropis gigantea: An indepth review of its therapeutic potential, Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 13(2): 715-721.

Cover story by Prof. N. Fahamiya
Photographed by Dr. M.R. Fathima Rusda
Cover page designed by Mr. K.K.P.R.K. Kohombakanda