AN APPRAISAL ON ETHNO-MEDICINAL CLAIMS OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA AIT AND CALOTROPIS GIGANTEA (LINN) R.BR. - TWO SOURCE DRUGS OF AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL PLANT 'ARKA'

Abstract

Two species of the genus Calotropis of family Asclepiadaceae (sub family of Apocynaceae) viz. Calotropis procera Ait. and Calotropis gigantea (Linn) R. Br. are considered as botanical equivalents of Arka and Shweta Arka respectively. Both have been attributed with copious therapeutic claims in Indian traditional medical systems especially with reference to its ethnomedicinal, commercial and sacred uses. A single hand compiled data is scarcely available regarding its ethnomedicinal and economic uses. In this present study, an attempt has been made to congregate all available data from 22 books and 20 research journals. After critical observations, it is found that there are almost 50 tribes in and around India who use both species of Calotropis. The plant is used for sacred purpose mostly by Hindus. Different parts of the plant are used in about 44 different disease conditions by both internal (53) and external (52) applications. Its economic utilities suggest that all the parts of the plant have some or the other economic potential.

Headnote

ABSTRACT

Two species of the genus Calotropis of family Asclepiadaceae (sub family of Apocynaceae) viz.Calotropis procera Ait. and Calotropis gigantea (Linn) R.Br. are considered as botanical equivalents of Arka and Shweta Arka respectively. Both have been attributed with copious therapeutic claims in Indian traditional medical systems especially with reference to its ethnomedicinal, commercial and sacred uses. A single hand compiled data is scarcely available regarding its ethnomedicinal and economic uses. In the present review an attempt has been made to congregate all available data from 22 books and 20 research journals. After critical observations, it is found that there are almost 50 tribes in and around India who use both species of Calotropis. The plant is used for sacred purpose mostly by Hindus. Different parts of the plant are used in about 44 different disease conditions by both internal (53) and external (52) applications. Its economic utilities suggest that all the parts of the plant have some or the other economic potential. Easy and abundant availability of Arka with single hand information on its potential ethno medicinal and economic uses may give lead to new research on this plant.

KEYWORDS: Ethnomedicinal, Arka, economic, utilities.

INTRODUCTION:

Plants have been an indispensible part of health of mankind since time immemorial. Folklore medicine is a major area that is being focused upon in the health research that involves both poisonous and non-poisonous plants. Ethno-botany deals with study of total natural and traditional inter-relationships between man, plants and his domesticated animals (P C Trivedi, 2006). Two species of the genus Calotropis of family Asclepiadaceae (sub family of Apocynaceae) viz. Calotropis procera Ait. and Calotropis gigantea (Linn) R.Br. are considered as botanical equivalents of Arka and Shweta Arka. Both have been attributed with copious therapeutic claims in Indian traditional medical systems.

Calotropis genera comprising of two species are 90% inhabitants of southern Asian countries viz. Bangladesh, Burma, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand and Sri Lanka (S.Sarkar, 2014). Both the species are mostly succulent, laticiferous shrubs, found throughout India mostly on roadsides, waste lands and in arid areas. Due to easy and abundant availability, both the plants have been a part of traditional use in economic, healthcare and sacred purposes. Both the plants have a therapeutic value and are an ingredient in various Ayurvedic formulations, quoted in the classical texts like Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, etc. Many claims have been reported during surveys in the tribal regions of various states of India. A single hand information about the ethno-medicinal, sacred uses of both the species of Calotropis i.e. Arka is still deficient. Hence, in the present article, a genuine attempt has been made to congregate research journals, survey study reports etc. Information of all the reported ethnobotanical uses of both botanical sources of Arka from overall 22 books on ethnobotany and 20 ethnomedicinal research articles has been compiled together.

The obtained data is arranged in a tabular form, according to individual species, with regards to various local names of Arka as known by different tribes across India, name of the tribe and their area of presence, part used, therapeutic indications and mode of administrations of the drug are also noted in a separate column with citation of individual references.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

Area of reporting: It is observed that both Calotropis gigantea and Calotropis procera are being used as medicine in 16 states of India viz. Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Gujarat, Jammu, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, O disha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal (Table no.1 & 2).This shows the wide availability and use of Arka across India. In the neighbouring countries of India like Bangladesh (Dibyajoti Saha, 2013), Nepal and Pakistan also, Calotropis is reported for its medicinal uses.

Tribes: India has more than 300 tribal communities (S.Y.Kamble, 2010). In the present review, it is found that about 50 tribes use both the species to combat various diseas conditions. These are as follows: Santhals, Tharus, Munda, Meetta, mu slim tribals of bongaigong, Shy ants, Bhoxa, Jaunsari, Tribals of Metpad, Kutragada, Kusumgudi, Tamools, Kols, Gctwlis, Mettei community, Nakti, Sylhet, Satar, Paharia, Korku, Tribals of Dhar, jhabua, Kolams, Chenchu, Sttgali, Verukala, Yattadis, Erukals, Chitheri, Kolha, Bathuri, Bhuttji, Battgriposi, Kondh, Gond, Santali, Taiahom and Rajbhandis, Rajis, Motok, Moran, Sonowal, Kachari, Deori, Mishing, Kadar, Muduvar, Malyali, Malasar, Malamlasar, Borra tribals (Table no.1 and 2).

Dosage Form: All the parts of Arka are used in many diseases. There are total 52 external applications of various parts of both the species and 53 for internal administration. In case of Calotropis gigantea, the root is observed to be used in 18 various dosage forms like decoction, extracts and powder internally whereas in paste form locally. The root bark finds distinct place in 6 disease conditions. Leaves are used in 19 various dosage forms wherein 10 include external applications. Latex has maximum external applications in 28 dosage forms and only 1 in internal application. Flowers have 11 internal applications whereas stem bark has 3 internal applications. In case of Calotropis procera Ait, 9 dosage forms of root among which 3 are of root bark; leaves are in use in 9 dosage forms; latex mainly possess external administration comprise of 7 forms of dosage; flowers and stem in 3 and 2 forms of dosage respectively. There were variations observed in the total number of claims and the external and internal applications as in some claims the mode of administration was not vividly explained.

Therapeutic uses: Calotropis gigantea is observed to be used in 44 different disease conditions whereas Calotropis procera is being used in 28 conditions. It is exclusively used in hypertension, oligomenorrhoea, cholera, jaundice, gastritis, epilepsy, tumour, painful gums, etc. Thus, it is observed that both the species have a vast range of therapeutic claims and is used in 10 types of skin disorders, 9 gastro-intestinal diseases, 5 types of Respiratory diseases, 6 gynecological and obstetrical problems, 3 types of musculoskeletal disorders, 5 types of ENT disorders and is used as an antidote in snake-bite, dog bite, rat bite, scorpion bite. It is also used in disorders of lymphatic system, i.e. in elephantiasis, anasarca etc. (Table 1 & 2).

Ethno-architectural uses: Calotropis plant finds place in various ancient architectures of our countries especially in Tree motifs and relation to women. One such motif depicts a woman standing under the tree on guard carrying a sword. In some architecture, Goddess Parvati is showed sitting under the Arka plant (C. gigantea) (S.K Jain, 2004).

Sacred uses:

All the synonyms of Arka are closely associated with Suryadeva (Sun). On Rathasapthami (a festival in winter), devotees place Arka leaves on their head while taking snanam, (sacred bath) (ENVIS). Konark, renowned for its Sun temple is sometimes referred to as ' A rka-thirtha YA rka referes to sun).

Arka finds place in Shatapatha Brahmana (a sacred text) wherein every part of the human form was supposed to be represented in the different parts of the plant (Dymock et al., 1892).

The Saiveties (Shiva followers) consider this plant very sacred after a legend in Shiva purana that mentions refuge sought by Parvati in flower of Arka (S.K Jain, 2004). A garland of the flowers of Arka is often used to worship the Maruts ids (preachers of wind as god). The twigs are used as samidhas (sacred wooden sticks offered in Yagya), and the leaves are used by some in the shati puja to propitiate the goddess of parturition (Dymock et al., 1892).

Pertaining to its use in customs and traditions, Calotropis is also used by the Bhandari caste. (Dymock etal., 1892). Another custom of Hindus is that a man who has lost three wives is married with the Arka in order to transfer the man's ill-luck to the plant (Dymock etal, 1892).

Hindus obtain Ganapati from the root of C. gigantea that sometimes takes the shape of Lord Ganesh. The leaves and the flowers are offered especially during Ganesh Chaturthi. (ENVIS) (Poonam et al., 2013). Arka is also reported to be used by Arabs long back in the Time of Ignorance in the practice called tasliaa which was observed in time of drought or barrenness of the earth (Dymock et al., 1892). Village deity is named after Arka called Arkamma. (http://ecoheritage.cpreec.org). Thus, Arka had a broad usage in sacred customs too.

CONCLUSION:

Present review through various available literature shows that Arka is used traditionally in 16 states of India in various disorders by almost 50 tribes. Arka is utilized in 53 dosage forms as internal administration and 52 include external applications. Some unique claims made for Arka include hypertension, tumours, cholera, oligomenorrhoea, etc. These folklore claims can be used for further research.

This ethnobotanical review shows the multi- faceted use of Arka (Calotropis) in varied aspects including its sacred usage thus underlining its significance. Thus, this plant which is otherwise abandoned is of utmost help as it can also be used as a biological marker of pollution which can be of great help in environmental sciences. Its economic utilities suggest that all the parts of the plant have some economic potential which can be put into practice owing to its easy and abundant availability.

Sidebar

Cite this article:

Anagha Ranade, Rabinarayan Acharya (2014), AN APPRAISAL ON ETHNO-MEDICINAL CLAIMS OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA AIT AND CALOTROPIS GIGANTEA (LINN) R.BR. - TWO SOURCE DRUGS OF AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL PLANT ARKA', Global J Res. Med. Plants & Indigen. Med., Volume 3(12): 475-488

References

REFERENCES:

A.V.Balasubramaniam March (2011), Testing and validation of Indigenous Knowledge-the COMPAS experience from Southern India, CIKS, Chennai.

Anonymous (1990), Glimpses of Medicobotany of Bastar District, M.P., CCRAS, New Delhi.

Anonymous (1992) The Wealth Of India , Dictionary of Indian raw materials and Industrial products, Vol 3, Ca-Ci, CSIR, New Delhi.

Anonymous (1998) A report on Medicinal plants of Kachchh, CCRAS, Dept of ISM & H, Gujarat.

Anonymous, (1996) Medico-botanical exploration of Phulbani & Koraput Districts of Orissa, CCRAS, New Delhi.

Anonymous, (2010) A Compendium of 500 Species, Arya Vaidya Sala, University press, Vol 1.

Ayyangar M, Ignacimuthu (2009), Herbal medicines for wound healing among tribal people in Southern India: Ethnobotanical and Scientific evidences, International Journal of Applied Research in Natural Products Vol. 2(3), pp. 29-42, Sep-Oct.

C.R.Karnick (1996), Ayurvedic narcotic & Medicinal plants, Sri Satguru publications, Delhi.

C.S.Negi, Sunil Nautiyal, Lokesh Dasila, K.S. Rao and R.K. Maikhuri (2002), Ethnomedicinal Plant Uses in a Small Tribal Community in a Part of Central Himalaya, India,J.Hum. Ecol., 14(1): 23-31.

Dibakar Mishra (2011), Ethnoveterinary Practices and use of herbal medicines for treatment of skin diseases in cattle : A study in Polsara Block, Ganjam District, Orissa, India Veterinary World, Vol.4 No.6, June, 250-253.

Dibyajoti Saha (2013), Calotropis gigantea: Rare traditional medicinal plants in Bangladesh having high potential ethnomedicinal value, UJAHM, 01(01), Pg1-2.

Dymock, Warden, Hooper (1892): Pharmacographia Indica, vol. II, pp. 428-434, 436-437; Web link: iu.ff. cnni. cz pandanus database details, php.

J.K.Maheshwari (1996), Ethnobotany in South Asia, Scientific publishers.

J.K.Maheshwari (2003), Ethnobotany & Medicinal plants of Indian Subcontinent, Scientific publishers, Jodhpur.

J. T.Dastur (Reprint 1985), Useful plants of India & Pakistan, D.B Taraporewala sons & Co-private Ltd.

Jiofack Tafokou, R.B., (2010). Calotropis gigantea (L.)W.T.Aiton. In: Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). Prota 11(2): Medicinal plants/Plantes médicinales 2. [CD-Rom] PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands.

Jitu Burgohain (2011), Ethnomedicinal Plants Used by the ethnic Communities of Tinsukia District of Assam, India,Recent Research in Science and Technology, 3(9): 31-42.

K.K.Singh (2003), Tribal wisdom on Medicinal and Economic plants of Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal, Sri satguru publications, Delhi.

K.M.Nadkarni (1996), Indian material medica, Popular prakashan, Vol I, Bombay.

K.Raveendra Retlam, P.Martin (2006), Ethnomedicinal plants, Agrobios.

K.Yeshodharan, K.A.Sujana (2007), Status of ethnomedicinal plants in the Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary, Kerala, South India, Ann. For.,15(2), 322-334.

Kirtikar & Basu (1981), Indian medicinal plants, International Book Distributors, 2nd edition, Vol III, Dehradun.

M Farooq Azhar, M Tahir Siddiqui, M.Ishaque and Asif Tanveer, (2014), Study of ethnobotany and indigenous use of Calotropis procera (Ait.) in Cholistan desert, J. Agric. Res., 52(1).

P. Suresh Kumar (2013), Review on a potential herb Calotropis gigantea (L.) R. BrSch. Acad. J. Pharm.; 2(2):135-143.

P.C.Trivedi (2006), Medicinal plants: Ethnobotanical approach, Agrobios.

Pankaj Oudhia, Calotropis Latex (Aak ka Doodh) based Indigenous Herbal Medicines for Anal Fistula or Bhagandar: Pankaj Oudhia's Medicinal Plant Database

Poonam, Gaurav Punia, (2013), A Review on varieties of Arka Calotropis procera (Ait.) dryand.and Calotropis gigantean (l.) dryand.,Global J Res. Med. Plants &Indigen. Med. 2(5), 392 - 400.

R.M. Captain, P.N.Behl (1966), Skin-irritant and sensitizing plants found in India, New Delhi.

Raginee Verma (2010), Ethno-Medicinal Profile of Different Plant Parts of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br., Ethnobotanical Leaflets 14: 721-42.

Ravikant Upadhyay (2014), Ethnomedicinal, pharmaceutical and pesticidal uses of Calotropis procera (Aiton) (Family: Asclepiadaceae), IJGP, 8(3),135-146.

Robert Bentley & Henry Trimen (1983), Medicinal plants, Asiatic publishing house, Vol III.

S. B. Padal, Y. Vijayakumar, J. Butchi Raju & P. Chandrasekhar (2013), Ethnomedicinal Uses of Shrub species by Tribals of Borra Panchayat, Ananthagiri Mandalam, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh, India, International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science Invention, Volume 2, issue 6, pg10-12.

S.K.Jain (2004), A Manual of Ethnobotany, Scientific publishers, Chap 10, Pg.90, Jodhpur.

S.K.Jain (1991), Notable Plants in Ethnomedicine of India, Deep publication, New Delhi.

S.Sarkar R Chakraverty, A Ghosh(2014), Calotropis gigantea Linn.-A Complete Busket Of Indian Traditional Medicine, Int. J. Pharm. Res. Sci., 02(1),7-17.

S.Y.Kamble, S.R. Patil, P.S.Sawant,Sangeeta Sawant, S.G.Pawar, E.A.Singh (2010), Studies on plants used in traditional medicine by Bhilla tribe of Maharashtra, Indian Journal Of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 9(3), pp. 591-598.

Sahu Pankaj Kumar (2010), Traditional knowledge and indigenous medicine of the tribal of Biosphere reserve, Central India, UPES, 1(8):471-478.

Salai Senthilkumar M. S., D. Vaidyanathan, D. Sivakumar and M. Ghouse Basha (2014), Diversity of ethnomedicinal plants used by Malayali tribals in Yelagiri hills of Eastern ghats, Tamil nadu, India, Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research, 4(1):69-80.

Suresh Kumar, Sangita Goyal, Aruna Chauhan, Farzana Parveen (2005), Some new ethnomedicinal uses of Milkweed in the Indian desert, Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, Vol. 4(4), pp. 448-455.

T.Pullaiah (2002), Medicinal plants in India, Regency publications, Volume I, New Delhi.

Usha M. (2012), Ethnomedicines Used by the Kani Tribals of Pechipparai Hills, Southern Western Ghats of Tamil nadu, India, Plant Sciences Feed Vol. 2 Issue 1.

V.G.Neginhal (2004), A handbook of Medicinal plants, Chaukhambha Sankrit Pratishthan, Delhi.

Waleed.J.Altaf (2006), Response of Calotropis Procera for Urban, Suburban and Sewage Pollution, Umm Al-Qura Univ. J. Sci. Med. Eng. Vol. 18,No. 1, pp.31- 40.

Weblink: http : //ecoheritage. cpreec. or g/Vi ewconta H.php?$mFJyBfK$MA5hi $mlRt&hd.

Whitelaw Ainslie (1862), Materia Medica of the Hindoos,Volume I, London.

Source of Support: NIL

Conflict of Interest: None Declared