Abstract

ARK IN TOXICOLOGY

Akshu Sharma*, R. C. Tiwari, Manisha Dikshit, Bhavana Mittal and Ved Bhushan Sharma

ABSTRACT

Calatropis gigantea is known as ark in Sanskrit. It is called Madar in English. It is widely used in many ayurvedic treatments, both externally (ksharsutra) and internally. It is very common herb seen widely throughout India. Calotropis procera is a well-known plant and has been traditionally used for diarrhoea, stomatic, sinus fistula,and skin disease. In India, it is found from the Punjab and Rajasthan to Assam and Kanyakumari up to an altitude of 1050 m. It grows abundantly in Rajasthan. It is found in waste lands and grows as a weed in cultivated areas. It also grows well on rubbish heaps, waste and fallow land, by the roadside and in sand dunes. The root, especially of Calotropis procera, is a powerful poison. Arka (Calotropis gigantea) an important drug of Ayurvedic toxicology and therapeutics is known in India from ancient period since Samhita kala. Traditionally, the powdered root is used to treat bronchitis, asthma, leprosy, eczema, elephantiasis while the latex s used to, treat vertigo, baldness, hair loss, toothache, intermittent fevers, rheumatoid/joint swellings, and paralysis, The leaves are used to treat joint pain, and reduce swelling. Besides its Ayurvedic use, Calotropis is also used as a homeopathic medicine.

Keywords: Calatropis gigantea, Ayurveda, Pharmacological action.