A review article on different varieties of “arka”
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: A review article on different varieties of “arka”
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Jyoti Sharma, Sangeeta Kuri, Chandan Singh, Rajendra Prasad Purvia and Manoj Kumar Adlakha
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: A review article on different varieties of “arka”
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr202317-29737
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Calotropis procera, commonly known as Aak, Madar, or milkweed, is a significant plant within the Apocynaceae family, notable for its ethnomedicinal uses and cultural importance. Widely recognized for its sacred role in Hindu worship—particularly in offerings to Lord Shiva—this plant exists in various regions across the world, including North Africa and South Asia. Despite its classification as a wasteland plant, Calotropis procera possesses medicinal properties that allow for treatments of numerous ailments such as snake bites, asthma, epilepsy, and skin diseases. The purpose of this review is to systematically summarize the different varieties of Calotropis procera, drawing attention to knowledge gaps and providing insights for future research within an ethnomedicinal context.
Varietal Classification of Calotropis procera
The classification of Calotropis procera can be approached from multiple perspectives, including morphological characteristics and traditional medicinal texts known as Nighantus. Morphologically, two primary varieties are identified: Calotropis gigantea and Calotropis procera. C. gigantea is characterized by its ovoid buds and shorter corona lobes, while C. procera showcases hemispherical buds with corona lobes that are equal to or longer than the staminal column. Traditional texts further classify these varieties into various categories; for instance, Bhav Mishra identifies them as Swet Arka (white) and Rakt Arka (red), while Kaidev Nighantu includes varieties like Rajarka.
Pharmacological Attributes
The pharmacological potential of Calotropis procera is noteworthy, as various parts of the plant, including its roots and leaves, contain important chemical compounds. These include cardiac glycosides such as Calotropin and Uscharin, along with sugars like D-arabinose and D-glucose. The medicinal properties are classified in terms of rasa (taste), guna (qualities), veerya (potency), and karma (action). The plant is known for its hot and pungent qualities that address vitiated kapha and serve therapeutic functions such as laxative, detoxifying, and wound-healing. Various ethno-medical applications are also noted, offering a wide-ranging therapeutic scope, particularly in traditional medicine.
Industrial Applications and Unique Features
Apart from its medicinal implications, Calotropis procera has valuable applications in industry. Its unique ability to thrive in harsh climates makes it a candidate for exploitation in biofuel production, biopesticide formulation, and various industrial processes such as cheese-making and leather treatment. This adaptability signifies its potential in sustainability efforts, highlighting the dual nature of the plant as both medicinal and commercially viable. The plant's parts can also serve innovative roles in the biopharmaceutical industry, thanks to its diverse chemical constituents.
Conclusion
In summary, Calotropis procera represents an important botanical with significant traditional, medicinal, and industrial value. The extensive study of its varieties, pharmacological properties, and potential industrial applications underscores the necessity for further research and exploration. Addressing the existing gaps in knowledge regarding its diverse uses can facilitate a deeper understanding of the plant's significance in both contemporary medicine and industry. As societies increasingly seek natural remedies and sustainable practices, Calotropis procera stands out as a plant worthy of further investigation and appreciation.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Calotropis procera commonly known as?
Calotropis procera is known as Aak or Madar in Hindi, and milkweed in English. It has various other names, including Apple of Sodom and rubber tree.
What are the key uses of Calotropis procera?
Calotropis procera is used to treat snake bites, body pain, asthma, epilepsy, cancer, sexual disorders, and various skin diseases, reflecting its extensive ethnomedicinal importance.
What are the morphological classifications of Arka varieties?
Morphological classifications include Calotropis gigantea with shorter corona lobes, and Calotropis procera with hemispherical buds and lobes that equal or exceed the staminal column.
What are the chemical constituents found in Arka?
Key constituents in Calotropis include cardiac glycosides like Calotropin and Gigantin in roots, while leaves contain D-arabinose, D-glucose, and Beta-amyrin.
What therapeutic properties does Arka exhibit?
Arka has properties such as being an antacid, purgative, and anti-poisonous. It also stimulates digestion and helps in treating conditions like oedema and leprosy.
What unique features does Calotropis procera have?
Calotropis procera can survive extreme climates and is used commercially for biofuel, biopesticides, and in various industrial applications like cheese making and leather processing.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A review article on different varieties of “arka””. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Arka:
Arka is a term derived from Sanskrit, meaning 'to be worshiped.' This term is associated with the plant Calotropis procera, which holds significant cultural and medicinal value in various traditions, especially in Hindu worship as the flowers are commonly offered to Lord Shiva.
2) Nighantu (Nighamtu):
Nighantus (plural) are collections of traditional Ayurvedic texts that systematically present herbal medicines, detailing their properties, uses, and classifications. These texts play a vital role in the holistic treatment practices, enabling practitioners to reference a wealth of knowledge.
3) Bitter:
Bitter is one of the basic tastes, often associated with certain chemical compounds in plants that can indicate potential toxicity. In traditional medicine, bitter substances, including those from plants like Calotropis procera, are often utilized for their therapeutic properties and ability to stimulate digestion.
4) Pungent:
Pungent describes a sharp or spicy taste or odor, often linked to certain compounds in plants. In Ayurvedic medicine, pungent herbs like Calotropis procera are regarded for their ability to stimulate digestion, enhance metabolism, and treat various ailments associated with vitiated doshas.
5) Edema (Oedema):
Oedema refers to swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues. It can result from various medical conditions. Certain plants, like Calotropis procera, are known in traditional medicine for their potential to alleviate symptoms of oedema and related disorders.
6) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna is the branch of Ayurveda that focuses on the study of medicinal substances (dravyas) and their properties (gunas). This field involves understanding the effects of various herbal materials on health, facilitating the development of therapeutics based on traditional knowledge.
7) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is a state in India known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse traditional medicinal practices. It is a significant location for studying plants like Calotropis procera that are commonly used in local Ayurvedic treatments, reflecting the integration of regional flora in medicine.
8) Vijnana:
Vijnana translates to 'knowledge' or 'science' in Sanskrit, often signifying a deeper understanding of a subject. In the context of Ayurvedic and herbal medicine, vijnana encompasses the scientific study of medicinal plants and their effects on human health.
9) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, leading to skin lesions and nerve damage. Certain traditional remedies, including those derived from Calotropis procera, are historically used as herbal treatments for leprosy, aimed at symptoms and improving skin health.
10) Disease:
Diseases refer to abnormal conditions affecting the body, often characterized by specific symptoms. Ayurvedic medicine entails identifying and treating diseases using natural remedies, such as the use of Calotropis procera, known for its broad range of therapeutic applications.
11) Itching:
Itching is an uncomfortable sensation on the skin that provokes the desire to scratch. Various conditions can cause itching, and plants like Calotropis procera are noted for their use in traditional treatments to relieve itching due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
12) Table:
In this context, 'table' likely refers to structured data presented within the text, summarizing information about the properties or classifications of the plant Calotropis procera and its varieties, providing an organized way to display comparisons and attributes.
13) Roga:
Roga is the singular form of 'rogas,' meaning disease or disorder in Sanskrit. The term is pivotal in the medical context, as it underscores the need for diagnosing specific ailments for effective Ayurvedic treatment, often employing various herbal remedies.
14) Katu:
Katu is a Sanskrit term signifying a bitter and pungent taste in Ayurvedic texts. This flavor category is often associated with certain medicinal plants, including Calotropis procera, which are believed to have stimulating effects on digestion and metabolism.
15) Vata:
Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, represented by the elements of air and space. It governs bodily functions related to movement and communication. Imbalances in Vata can lead to various health issues, for which herbal interventions, like Calotropis procera, may be deployed.
16) Worm:
Worms generally refer to parasitic organisms that can infect humans, causing various health issues. Traditional remedies derived from Calotropis procera are historically noted for their potential to treat infections caused by worms, reflecting holistic approaches to health.
17) Family:
Family indicates a classification ranking in biological taxonomy. In the case of Calotropis procera, it belongs to the Apocynaceae family, which encompasses similar flowering plants. The family classification assists in understanding the plant's related species and their shared medicinal properties.
18) Vataroga (Vata-roga):
Vata-roga refers to health conditions specifically caused by imbalances in the Vata dosha in Ayurveda. Understanding Vata-roga is crucial for practitioners as it defines the scope for herbal treatment strategies utilizing plants like Calotropis procera to alleviate symptoms.
19) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the branch of medicine that studies the effects and mechanisms of drugs on biological systems. Research into Calotropis procera's pharmacological properties contributes to understanding its therapeutic potential and developing medicinal applications based on traditional knowledge.
20) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiated refers to an imbalance or dysfunction of the body's doshas in Ayurveda. When doshas are vitiated, it can lead to disease. Understanding which dosha is vitiated helps in determining the appropriate herbal treatment, such as that offered by Calotropis procera.
21) Habitat:
Habitat refers to the natural environment in which a plant species grows. Understanding the habitat of Calotropis procera is essential for recognizing its distribution, ecological relationships, and harvesting practices for medicinal use in traditional healing.
22) Arkadi (Arka-adi):
Arkadi refers to a classification of items or varieties associated with Arka (Calotropis procera) in Ayurvedic literature. Understanding the Arkadi varieties facilitates specific applications in herbal medicine and emphasizes the plant's diverse uses based on its unique characteristics.
23) Sharman (Sarma, Sarman, Sharma):
Sharma is a common surname in India and in the context of this article, it refers to one of the authors, Jyoti Sharma. The author affiliations lend credibility and expertise to the research outlined in the paper, which discusses the medicinal uses of Calotropis procera.
24) Phala:
Phala, meaning 'fruit' or 'result' in Sanskrit, often refers to the outcomes of treatments in Ayurveda. Understanding the phalavanta (fruits of treatment) helps practitioners determine the effectiveness of herbal remedies, including those derived from medicinal plants like Calotropis procera.
25) Kapha:
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, known for its qualities of heaviness and moisture. Disorders associated with Kapha can lead to respiratory issues and obesity. Treatments often involve herbs like Calotropis procera to balance vitiated Kapha.
26) Kshira (Ksira):
Ksira translates to 'milk' in Sanskrit and may refer to the milky sap of the Calotropis plant. This milky sap, which has therapeutic applications, embodies the plant's medicinal qualities as recognized in traditional Ayurvedic practices.
27) Varga:
Varga refers to a specific category or class in Sanskrit, often used in Ayurveda to classify plants based on their qualities and uses. The classification of Calotropis procera under various Varga helps define its therapeutic functions in traditional medicine.
28) Hindi (Himdi):
Hindi is an Indo-Aryan language widely spoken in India. Its presence in the article signifies the cultural context of the study, as many traditional terms and common names for plants are derived from Hindi, reflecting local practices and beliefs in medicine.
29) Blood:
Blood is vital for transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. In traditional medicine, various plants, including Calotropis procera, are employed to address blood-related disorders, reflecting the integration of herbal treatments in managing such conditions.
30) Hair:
In medicinal contexts, 'hair' often references the silky fibers associated with the seeds of plants like Calotropis procera. These fibers can have various uses, including their implications in products like ropes and textiles, showcasing the plant's versatility.
31) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to awareness or comprehension derived from study and experience. In the context of Ayurveda, it encapsulates the traditional understanding and practical applications of medicinal plants like Calotropis procera across various therapeutic areas.
32) Dhanvantarinighantu (Dhanvantari-nighantu):
Dhanvantari-nighantu is a classical Ayurvedic text that categorizes medicinal plants and their properties. Its mention highlights the importance of traditional texts in understanding the ethnomedicinal uses of plants like Calotropis procera and their various therapeutic applications.
33) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their interactions within living organisms. Research into the pharmacological properties of plants like Calotropis procera aims to elucidate their mechanisms of action, enhancing our understanding of traditional treatments in modern scientific terms.
34) Dhanvantari (Dhanvamtari):
Dhanvantari is a deity revered in Ayurveda as the god of medicine and healing. His significance emphasizes the cultural roots of Ayurveda and the spiritual aspect tied to the medicinal properties of plants, including Calotropis procera.
35) Sadapushpa (Sadapuspa, Sada-pushpa):
Sadapuspa is another traditional name associated with different varieties of Calotropis procera, reflecting its floral characteristics. Recognizing such names can provide insight into the diverse uses and forms of the plant in Ayurvedic practices.
36) Vamanopaga (Vamana-upaga):
Vamanopaga refers to a category of plants that assist in the process of emesis or vomiting. Certain plants, including those related to Calotropis procera, may be included in this category owing to their therapeutic properties that help expel toxins from the body.
37) Katutikta (Katu-tikta):
Katu-tikta describes the taste profile indicating a combination of pungent and bitter flavors in herbal medicine. This profile is often associated with various therapeutic benefits, encompassing stimulating digestive functions, which is an attribute found in plants like Calotropis procera.
38) Kharjughna (Kharju-ghna):
Kharjughna is a term that can refer to a specific plant or property noted for its ability to deal with certain disorders. In traditional texts, it emphasizes the qualities attributed to plants like Calotropis procera pertaining to their medicinal applications.
39) Worshipping (Worshiping):
Worshiping, in the context of Ayurveda, often pertains to the cultural and spiritual rituals associated with certain plants, including their use in offerings. Calotropis procera is noted for its significance in Hindu rituals, showcasing the interplay between spirituality and herbal medicine.
40) Snake-bite:
Snake-bite is a serious medical emergency caused by the venom of snakes. Traditional remedies, including those derived from plants like Calotropis procera, are sometimes employed in local medicinal practices for their purported effects in treating symptoms of snake-bite.
41) Bhedaniya:
Bhedaniya refers to classification terms often found in ancient texts that categorize medicinal plants based on their therapeutic properties or bodily effects. This concept is crucial in understanding the multifaceted uses of plants like Calotropis procera in traditional practices.
42) Arkaparṇa (Arkaparna, Arka-parna):
Arkaparna is a botanical term that could represent specific varieties or parts of the Arka plant (Calotropis procera) referred to in Ayurvedic texts. Understanding such classification aids in researching the various applications and benefits attributed to the plant.
43) Pliharoga (Pliha-roga):
Pliharoga refers to specific disorders related to the spleen in Ayurveda. Treatments for such conditions often involve using various plants, including Calotropis procera, emphasizing the diversity of herbal remedies tailored to specific health needs.
44) Pushpaka (Puspaka):
Pushpaka refers to floral characteristics in Ayurveda, often relating to the classification of plants based on their blossoms. In the case of Calotropis procera, understanding the pushpaka aspect helps in identifying suitable varieties used for specific medicinal applications.
45) Bhaskara:
Bhaskara is typically associated with classical Ayurvedic literature, either as a name for a text or a scholar. His contributions might pertain to herbal classifications or medicinal practices, reinforcing the historical context of plants like Calotropis procera.
46) Bhanjana (Bhamjana):
Bhanjana could refer to a classification relating to the properties or uses of various plants in Ayurveda. Understanding the context of bhanjana can provide insight into the therapeutic applications of plants like Calotropis procera within traditional practices.
47) Gujarati:
Gujarati refers to the language spoken in the Gujarat state of India. The mention of Gujarati signifies the regional context of Ayurvedic practices and the local vernacular in discussing the medicinal uses of plants like Calotropis procera.
48) Medoroga (Medas-roga):
Medoroga refers to disorders related to obesity or excess body fat in Ayurveda. Treatment often involves dietary modifications and herbal remedies like Calotropis procera to balance metabolic functions and alleviate excess kapha dosha.
49) Vatahara (Vata-ahara):
Vatahara is a term used to describe substances or plants that pacify the Vata dosha. Herbal remedies, including those derived from Calotropis procera, play an important role in Ayurvedic practices to restore balance in vitiated Vata conditions.
50) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Traditional medicine sometimes incorporates plants like Calotropis procera in treatment regimens to mitigate seizure activity and promote neurological health, reflecting historical approaches to such conditions.
51) Kandaka (Kamdaka):
Kandaka refers to a specific classification or descriptor found within traditional texts that may relate to managing specific disorders or functions, which can inform the usage of plants like Calotropis procera in holistic treatments.
52) Mandara (Mamdara):
Mandara may refer to a specific classification or variety in Ayurvedic texts associated with certain plants. The classifications such as Mandara help in further defining the properties and therapeutic uses of plants like Calotropis procera.
53) Asphota:
Asphota typically refers to particular variations or characteristics of plants documented in classical Ayurvedic literature. This classification aids practitioners in identifying specific herbal preparations and their relative medicinal properties.
54) Pratapa:
Pratapa indicates certain qualities related to strength or efficacy in Ayurvedic texts. When associated with plants like Calotropis procera, it emphasizes their potential strength in addressing various health concerns based on traditional understanding.
55) Marathi:
Marathi is the language primarily spoken in the Maharashtra state of India. Its mention reflects the geographical and cultural context within which plants like Calotropis procera are studied and utilized in traditional medicine practices.
56) Bengali:
Bengali refers to the language and culture of the Bengali people, particularly in West Bengal and Bangladesh. Its significance in the context of the text points towards the regional adaptations of Ayurvedic practices involving plants like Calotropis procera.
57) Species:
Species refers to a group of plants or organisms that share common characteristics, often used in scientific classifications. Calotropis procera is recognized as a distinct species within the Apocynaceae family, highlighting its unique properties and applications in medicine.
58) Biofuel:
Biofuel refers to fuel derived from biological materials, often considered more sustainable than fossil fuels. Plants like Calotropis procera are studied for their potential to be developed into biofuels, reflecting the intersection of traditional uses and modern applications.
59) Heaven:
Heaven signifies a place or state of exalted existence in many cultural narratives. In Ayurvedic texts, references to the heavens often relate to spiritual connotations concerning the origins of medicinal plants like Calotropis procera, affirming their divine significance.
60) Ruksha (Ruksa):
Ruksha translates to 'dry' in Sanskrit and refers to a quality of certain herbal substances in Ayurveda. Calotropis procera has properties classified under ruksha, influencing its selection for treatments aimed at balancing moisture-related health issues.
61) Alarka:
Alarka is a traditional name that may refer to specific varieties or classifications of Calotropis procera noted in Ayurvedic texts. Its mention highlights the different applications and distinctive characteristics attributed to the plant across various contexts.
62) Mishra (Misra):
Mishra is a common surname in India, often indicating a scholar or a learned individual. References to Mishra in Ayurvedic texts represent contributions to understanding herbal medicine, including knowledge surrounding plants like Calotropis procera.
63) Vipaka:
Vipaka refers to the post-digestive effect of food substances in Ayurveda, indicating their final transformation within the body. Understanding vipaka helps practitioners determine how particular herbs like Calotropis procera will influence bodily functions after consumption.
64) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kustha refers to skin diseases or conditions within Ayurvedic terminology. Herbal remedies, including those from Calotropis procera, are historically used to treat skin ailments, indicating the plant’s relevance in dermatological applications in classical medicine.
65) Tikshna (Tiksna):
Tiksna means 'sharp' or 'piercing' in Sanskrit and designates certain qualities of herbs in Ayurveda. It typically refers to potent medicinal effects, explaining why Calotropis procera might be utilized in treatments aiming at invigorating and stimulating bodily functions.
66) Pushpa (Puspa):
Pushpa is the Sanskrit word for 'flower,' denoting the reproductive structure of flowering plants. In the context of Calotropis procera, the analysis of its pushpa connects its aesthetic aspects to its cultural and medicinal significance within Ayurvedic practices.
67) Cancer:
Cancer denotes a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Many traditional medicinal plants, including Calotropis procera, are investigated for their potential anti-cancer properties, showcasing the bridge between ancient remedies and contemporary medical research.
68) Karma (Karman):
Karma refers to the concept of action and its consequences in various philosophical contexts. Within Ayurveda, understanding karma extends to recognizing how the use of specific plants, such as Calotropis procera, leads to particular therapeutic outcomes affecting health.
69) Udara:
Udara denotes conditions related to the abdomen or belly in Ayurveda, often involving disorders or imbalances. Calotropis procera is traditionally employed to treat ailments of the abdomen, emphasizing its role in digestive health interventions.
70) Gulma:
Gulma refers to a type of abdominal tumor or mass in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Various herbs, including Calotropis procera, may be utilized in treatments targeting gulma, showcasing their application in managing specific health challenges.
71) Laghu:
Laghu translates to 'light' in Sanskrit and denotes the quality of being easily digestible or having a light nature in Ayurveda. Calotropis procera is often classified under laghu properties, influencing its use in various therapeutic formulations.
72) Tikta:
Tikta means 'bitter' in Sanskrit, signifying one of the six tastes recognized in Ayurveda. Plants featuring tikta properties, such as Calotropis procera, are valued for their medicinal effects, including detoxification and digestive stimulation.
73) Ushna (Usna):
Usna translates to 'hot' or 'warming' properties in Ayurveda, usually relating to the heating effects of certain herbs. Recognizing the usna qualities of plants like Calotropis procera aids in determining their suitable applications for balancing the body's doshas.
74) Kandu (Kamdu):
Kandu refers to itching or irritation in Ayurvedic terminology. This condition can be treated using various herbs, including Calotropis procera, recognized for their soothing properties in alleviating skin-related distress.
75) Krimi (Krmi):
Krimi refers to parasitic infestations or worms within Ayurvedic texts. Herbal remedies, including those derived from Calotropis procera, are traditionally employed to combat krimi, thereby aiding in the elimination of parasites affecting health.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 95]
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