Calotropis gigantea – Arka Uses, Dose, Side Effects, Ayurveda Details
Calotropis gigantea is known as Arka in Sanskrit. It is widely used in many Ayurvedic treatments, both externally (ksharasutra) and internally. It is a very common herb seen widely throughout India. It is called as Madar in English. Often, its another variety Calotropois procera is also used in the same name.
Botanical Name– Calotropis Gigantea (Linn). R. Brown / procera
The name calotropis refers to one which has a beautiful corona of the flower and procera refers to tallness.
Family – Asclepiadaceae (Periplocaceae) – Arka Kula
Table of Contents
Home remedies
By Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD
The plant Madar is well known as Arka in ayurveda. The name Arka symbolizes the deep penetrating and hot potency of the plant. This herb is related to Ravi graha (Sun) as per Indian astrology.
It is also called Milkweed, Stabragh or Sodom Apple.
Spiritual Uses
The plant is available in two colors-white and bluish red. Red variety of Arka is commonly found and it is used for medicinal purposes.
The white variety is rare and it is used in Tantric practices and used to take away the evil spirits.
The leaves are the used part. The flowers are offered to Lord Shiva and the garland of`the leaves is used to decorate Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman.
While preparing the Kshara sutra (alkaline thread) the latex of this plant is used. Ayurvedic literatures like Rasaratna samucchaya, Rasatarangini etc group the plant Arka among the semi poisons (Upavisha).
Read related: Ksharasutra Preparation Method: Detailed Explanation
It is very important to know that the latex of the plant is a big irritant and if it falls on the eyes accidentally especially while collecting the leaves or cutting the plant, one may lose eye sight!
So one should be careful while collecting the plant.
Whole plant is used to prepare the alkali(Arka kshara).
The leaves are used to prepare the oil(Arka taila) and to prepare various Rasashastra medicines. (herbo- mineral formulations).
Swelling
Warmed leaf application over the swelling:
3-4 mature leaves of madar are collected and warmed in its ventral side(fine area). Little sesame oil or any other pain relieving oils (like Dhanvantara taila, Kottamchukkadi taila, Nirgundi taila etc) is applied over it and placed over the swelling or inflamed area.
5-6 days regular fomentation helps to reduce the swelling effectively.
Joint Pain
Application of the leaf paste over the joints:
Mature leaves are made into fine paste without adding water. If necessary little salt may be added. This paste is applied over inflamed joints. 2-3 days medication helps to reduce the pain and swelling quite effectively.
Aches and pains
Leaf oil in joint pain and muscular pains:
Leaves are made into paste (50 grams).
To this 200 ml sesame oil.
200 ml water is added and is cooked till the water evaporates completely.
It is filtered and stored.
This can be applied over the painful joints as well as muscular pains. In skin diseases such as eczema also it is beneficial.
Some add betel leaf paste also while cooking this oil.
Read related: Have Muscle Pain Or Arthritis? Please Avoid Direct Air From Fan
Asthma, Cough
Dried Flower powder in asthma and chronic cough:
Flowers are collected, dried in sunshade, made into fine powder. 1-2 pinches of this is mixed with little rock salt powder and used for chewing. Or else this combination can be taken along with warm water. It relieves chronic cough, cold, asthma, rhinitis etc.
The Ayurveda system of medicine believes-“there is nothing in this universe which is useless;a learner or seeker will use the best part of the plant in treating varieties of disorders –it may be a single drug or in combinations’ ‘ . True, unbiased, innovative mind will design the best from each such herbal drug.
Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD (Ayu), PhD
Vernacular Names
Hindi Name – Madara, Akavan, Aak (latex of Arka is called Aak ki doodh)
English Name – Madar, Crown flower, Giant Milkweed crown
Telugu Name – Jilledu, Mandaram
Bengali Name – Aakand
Marathi Name – Rui / Akamadar
Gujarati Name – Akad, Akado
Tamil Name – Pellerukku, Erukku
Punjabi Name – Ak
Arab name – Ushar
Pharsi name – Kharak
Classical categorization
Caraka – Bedaniya, Vamonopaga, Svedopaga
Susruta- Arkadi, Adhobhagahara
Vaghata- Arkadi
Bh p Ni – Guduchyadi varga 67 – 72
Varities
Susruta – Arka, Alarka
Bh. Pra. Ni – Sweta, Rakta
Dha. Ni – Arka, Rajarka
Ra. Ni – Arka, Rajarka, Suklarka, Sweta Mandara
Major chemical constituents
Calotropis gigantea– Laurane, Saccharose, B-amyrin; a&B calotropeols; holarrhetine, Cyanidin-3-rhamnoglucoside; Taraxsterol isovalerate; Giganteol; Calotroposide;Calactin, Calotoxin; Calotropins DI &DII, Gigantin etc.
Calotropis procera– A&B Amyrins, Cyanidin-3-Rhamnoglucoside, procesterol, B-sitosterol, Calactin, Caotoxin, Calotropagenin, Calotropin, Calotropain, Proceroside, Proceragenin etc.
(Reference: Illustrated Dravyaguna Vijnana, Vol. II, by Dr JLN Shastry)
External morphology
Calotropis gigantea
Tall shrub, bark is furrowed, yellowish white, Branches are stout
Leaves – 10- 20 cm long, sessile, elliptic, oblong, acute apex, thick glaucous green
Inflorescence – Umbellate lateral cymes
Flowers – Purplish white, pedicels much longer than the flowers
Fruit – Foliate thick, fleshy green
Seeds – Numerous, broadly ovate, brown
Medicinal properties
Rasa (taste) – Katu (pungent) Tikta (bitter)
Guna (qualities) – Laghu (lightness), Ruksha (dryness), Teekshna
Vipaka – Katu – Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion.
Veerya – Ushna – hot potency
Effect on Tridosha – Because of its hot potency, it balances Vata and Kapha.
Red type’s flower has a bitter and sweet taste. Hence it balances Pitta and Kapha.
Medicinal uses
Arka ksheera – The latex of Madar plant is used in Vamana (vomiting therapy) and Virechana (purgation therapy). It is capable of inducing vomiting and purgation.
Kushtahara – useful in skin diseases
Gulmahara – useful in abdominal tumors, bloating
Udarahara – used in the treatment of ascites.
Madar plant is
Vatahrut – balances Vata
Deepana – improves digestion
Sara – eases bowel movements.
Shophahara – anti inflammatory
Vranahara – brings about quick wound healing
Kanduhara – relieves itching
Kushtahara – useful in skin diseases
Pleehahara – useful in spleen disorders
Krumihara – useful in intestinal worm infestation
Madar flower –
Vrushya – acts as aphrodisiac
Laghu – light to digest
Deepana – improves digestion strength
Pachana – carminative
Arochaka – useful in anorexia
Praseka – excessive salivation
Arsha – hemorrhoid’s
Kasa shwasahara – useful in respiratory disorders – cough, asthma etc. It acts as a good expectorant.
Red coloured flowers –
Tikta Madhura – sweet, bitter in taste
Kushtahara – relieves skin diseases
Krumighna – useful in worm infestation
Kaphanashana – balances Kapha.
Arshahara – useful in hemorrhoid’s
Vishahara – anti toxic
Raktapitta – useful in bleeding disorders
Sangrahi – useful in diarrhea
Gulma – useful in abdominal tumors, bloating
Shvayathuhara – anti inflammatory.
Root bark is useful in cough, cold and constipation. (acts as a laxative).
Snake bites – In ancient times, for poisonous snake bites, its leaves were chewed and latex was applied over the wound.
Pharmacological Action
Stomachic
Purgative
Emetic
Expectorant
Anti spasmodic
Digestive
Anthelmintic
Analgesic
Part used, dosage
Part used – Root bark, flowers, leaf, latex, seeds.
Dosage –
Root bark, powder 0.5-1 g.
Flower powder 1-2 g
Latex – fatal dose and fatal period:
Wikipedia lists the fatal period as 6 – 12 hours. Fatal dose is unknown. Some opine anything above 500 mg of latex is fatal.
Ayurvedic medicines
Ayurvedic medicines prepared with Calotropis gigantea –
Ardraka Ghrita – used in indigestion and chronic diarrhea
Arkadi Kashaya – used in cough, cold, back ache with stiffness
Asanadi Kashaya – used in treating diabetes, obesity etc.
Arka lavana, Arkadi choorna, Sootikabharana rasa, Ekangaveera rasa, Mahavata vidhwamsarasa etc are the unique preparations of this drug.
Arka Kshara
Synonyms – Ravi Kshara, Baskara kshara, Mitra Kshara.
Properties of Arka Kshara
अर्कक्षारः स्मृतस्तीक्ष्णो गुल्मप्लीहादि नाशनः
पाचनो दीपनश्चापि कास श्वास प्रणाशनः (र.तं.१४/७४)
arkakṣāraḥ smṛtastīkṣṇo gulmaplīhādi nāśanaḥ
pācano dīpanaścāpi kāsa śvāsa praṇāśanaḥ (ra.taṃ.14/74)
tīkṣṇa – sharp,
Gulma plīhādi nāśanaḥ – cures abdominal lump. Splenic diseases etc.
pācano – digestive,
dīpanah – carminative,
kāsa śvāsa praṇāśanaḥ – cures asthma and cough
Side effects and precautions
Overdose may cause diarrhea and vomiting.
It is not safe to use in pregnancy or during lactation period.
Adverse effects and remedial measures
Toxicity
Root bark – In higher doses root bark causes Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Prolonged higher doses cause headache, burning micturition and Leucorrhoea
Latex – It has a caustic effect on mucous membrane and tender skin. Accidental splashing of latex into the Eye causes congestion of the eye with tears.
Management
Stomach wash
Fresh leaf juice of Nilini may be administered
Sugar solution to drink
Cinca (Tamarindus indica)
Palasa (Butea monosperma) Kwatha
Intake of large quantity of milk and ghee
Interaction with medicines, supplements
Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
With western
medicines
Seek your
doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western
(allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern
medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is
best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the
Ayurvedic medicine.
Fumigation in hemorrhoids
Fumigation with powder of Arka for hemorrhoids:
Arka leaves are dried and burnt. Pile masses are exposed to the fumes. It reduces pain, itching and size of the pile mass. (Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 14th chapter).
Antidote for overdose
Antidote for Calotropis over-dosage:
Leaves of Neelini – Indigofera tinctoria are crushed and juice is extracted. It is administered in a dose of 10 ml, two times a day.
Leaves of tamarind are crushed and juice is extracted. 15 ml is mixed with 15 ml of water, administered twice a day.
Usage of leaves in Panchakarma
The calotropis leaves are used in a sweating treatment, called Prastara swedana therapy. Here, the hot boiled herbs are spread over a stone bed, covered with leaves of calotropis and the patient is made to lie on it for a few minutes.
Is Arka leaves tied to feet at night, useful in diabetes?
No.
Use in Abhraka purification
Use in purification of Abhraka – Mica
Abraka – Mica – in its incineration procedure, it is converted into Dhanyabhraka. In the textbook of Ananda Kanda, black variety of abraka is taken in an earthen pot and heated very well. Later the Abraka layer is dipped in arka juice (Calotropis gigantea), gruel, cows urine, triphala decoction for 3 times each.
Sanskrit synonyms
Arka – arka means Sun rays. This herb is as pungent, hot and strong as Sun rays.
Toolaphala – fruits have cottony hairs within
Ksheeraparna – leaves yield milk (latex)
Arkaparna – Parna means leaf. Leaves are strong, hot and pungent.
Vikirana – its pollination is by air (spreading)
Asphota – the fruit bursts open
Arkaparna – Leaves are sharp as sun
Pratapa – Latex causes burning sensation
Kharjukhna – Relieves kandu
Asphota – Fruits are dehiscent in nature
Ksirakandaka – Stem possess latex
Raktapushpa – Flowers are red in color
Alarka, Mandara. Saapuspa, Talaphala, Krsaparna, Vikirana,
Sthanika Karma (Systemic Action)
External – Leaves have analgesic and anti-inflammatory action. Inflamed and painful joints (Rheumatic joint pain) can be covered with its leaf which is made into hot, helps to reduce pain. Oil prepared out of it is also beneficial in such conditions. Juice can be used as ear drops for ear pain, hearing loss etc. Leaf powder can be used to sprinkle on wounds ,promoting wound healing. Root bark also can be used for this purpose. Latex is useful in Thyroid enlargement, cervical lymphadenopathy etc. In skin disorders latex can be used along with mustard oil. In Leukoderma conditions also its latex is indicated. Conditions Alopecia, Hemorrhoids etc. external application of latex is found to be beneficial. It has Anthelmintic action.Digestive System – Induce vomiting, Carminative, Digestive, Purgative, Irritates the esophageal mucosa. Root bark paste is indicated in Ascites, Helminthiasis, Loss of appetite, Hepatic diseases, Constipation, etc. Also indicated in Enteric fever. Arka kshara is beneficial in Ascites .
Circulatory System – Indicated in Rheumatic heart diseases, Joint pain, etc.
Respiratory system – Expels out vitiated kapha dosha. Stem juice along with honey can be administered in cough, breathing disorders, Rhinitis etc.
Skin – Indicated in skin diseases.
Circulatory system – Act as cardiac stimulant, Increases Blood pressure, Indicated in filariasis. In bleeding disorders, the red variety of Arka is found to be beneficial.
Respiratory system – Root bark decoction is indicated in cough and breathing difficulties. Expels out excessive kapha dosha from the respiratory tract. Alkali prepared out of its bark is beneficial in Asthma.
Tvak – Indicated in skin diseases.
Tapakrama – Root bark decoction is indicated in fever (Vishamajvara)
Satmikarana – Indicated in general debility. Snakebite – (Along with black pepper)
56 comments on “Calotropis gigantea – Arka Uses, Dose, Side Effects, Ayurveda Details”
Vijaya kamalapurkar
Good info about mandar plant .can we apply latex on knee joints and how to administer this drug orally?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
You can apply latex over knee joints.
Its oral administration requires doctor’s consultation.
Its root bark powder, flower powder are used for oral administration. But most commonly, it is used in combination with other herbs.
Ravi Kumar Jami
i am searching its latex from last six month but unable to get it. i have required it in bulk quantity. kindly send me detail where i can get it.
Muhammad Hussain..
How much quantity you require.?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It is useful in cancer, but not as a standalone herb/medicine.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
I do not approve of that product or their tactics. Just because they advertise it to you and call and ask you to buy, you need not listen to them. You can always hang up the phone 🙂
Ravi
it can help you to reduce your eye number.
give it some heat and keep it @ your stomach on daily base 4 to 5 hours
Try it just 20 days…..Defiantly give you positive result.
Akhilesh Kumar
Dear sir we need some quantity of Madar Milk Powder can you suggest by which source
i can get it if possible please give me the contact no. also.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Contact Mr Shashikumar – 9243805380
mary
madar flower can be used for kidney stone
Jaksha Zaveri
Is Ankado plant available in USA or what is the name in english
Tanzeel ur Rahman
Is the root bark useful for artheritis
Abdus Sattar.
Abdus Sattar, Bogra, Bangladesh.Sir,for osteoarthritis pain here people used hot compression of Akanda leaf by applying few drops of mustard oil over it. May it cause any side effect?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It does not have any side effects. It is safe to use.
a.rao
Dear sir you have mentioned a site shophealthy.in. is it alright 2 buy black cohosh and dong quai from the site. thanks
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
I don’t know them personally.
Agustin mata
Hello Dr. Hebbar I have diabetes 25 years I am all moss blind bliding in the vitral I need to no wehere I can find the aak leaf o the tree I live in canada and is hard to find but in latin america wehere to find or I can order from you ?????? My name Agustin thank you have a blessing day
Barkha
Hi, I have heard that permanent eye damage where the latex got in to the eye of a person.is it true?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
As far as I have seen, it causes extreme eye irritation and does not cause vision loss.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, keeping the leaves under the feet does not cause any poisoning.
Sudheer
Dear Sir,
My mother is diagnoised with cancer (Breast) 4th stage. But now the C. cells has spread to other upper parts of the body. Metastasis cancer. Can this Calotropis gigantea plant be usefull in the cancer treatrment.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No.
Krish
Sir please go through this .
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Naresh
Is any known side effect on skin
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
If skin comes into contact directly, it does not cause burning sensation. But long exposure may cause mild irritation.
Dharmbir
Meri nadiya weak h pero me dard rhta h kya isme ye madar kamyab h
Sugiyanta
can calotropis gigantea use as pestiside to rice
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It has Mosquitocidal activity. Not sure about its pesticidal activity.
reshma
Halo sir I am facing problem of breast sagging that I lost my weight of 23 kg please tell me any medicine and remedy that can solve this soon
Ankur
Is it useful in hair fungal
Kumar
Is that true that madar Arkansas leaves below the feet reduces sugar
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No.
Kumar
Is that true that madar Arkansas leaves below the feet reduces blood sugar
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No.
lakshmi
hello doctor i have heard that its root is useful in jalodhara disease is it true?Does it have any effect on periods?
aman
Ayaskriti also has arka as an indredient in it. Kindly name a few if you have in mind having arka as ingredient. Thanks
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Sarshapadi churna
A Kof syrup
Agnivrana taila
Inflanil oil
dolly yaduvanshi
hello sir
i am dolly yaduvanshi
i want to ask about calotropis plants side effects on human ,and the fatal dose or fatal period of this plant ?
calotropis gignatea and calotropis prosera ,both effects are same or some may be different
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, C. procera and gigantea work similarly.
Wikipedia lists fatal period as 6 – 12 hours. Fatal dose is unknown. Some opine anything above 500 mg of latex is fatal.
aman
Sir i have noticed only calotropis procera being used in all formulations instead calotropis gigantea. Kindly correct me if i am wrong.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, both the varieties are used.
Nisha
Hello sir,
Does topical application for hair fungal affects pregnancy?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No. It can be applied topically, during pregnancy.
Kanwarpreet Singh
Hello sir,my self Kanwarpreet Singh l put latex on my skin on ringworm. It’s itching on my skin.its burnt very sevire.please tell me how I can reduce its effect
Rama
What is the side effect when it is applied on protruded piles? For how many days it can be applied on piles.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It shrinks the pile mass. But it can cause burning sensation. Apply it. Leave it for 5 – 10 minutes, then wash off. Do this for 5 – 7 days.
Rama
In fact I applied in the morning for three days ..as u said it was burning throughout the day..on third day I felt some fluid discharge smelling like puss . after that i washed it and applied ghee .I stopped next day as I felt burning and puss may give some other problem.. Thanks for your suggestion. I wil apply and then wash..wil inform you the result..any food OR parallel medicine do u suggest?….thank you again….namaskara…
Rutu Patel
Hello, my mother-in-law is going through her menopause.. her ankel pains all the time. After long standing hours or after waking up she cannot walk applying equal pressure on both feet..can arka leaves help? Please suggest some remedy
Ranganathan
How it is useful for arthritis
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Its leaves are heated with castor oil and applied locally to relieve pain.
Tulsi
Hello doctor I got head cold cos of which I get pain in my neck headache, ear pain. Pls tell me the home remedies to remove water from head.. I can feel the heaviness in head.
Krishnamurthy
Can a cloth dipped in
the water (leaves boiled in it) be externally applied for joint pains?
Nigel
Sir, hearing about arka leaves, used for diabetes
put at the base of the feet with the outer surface of the leaves on the soles, I wish to ask about the veracity of the incidents.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
I have not seen any reduce in blood sugar levels with this method.
jithya akkal
sir how its latex is purified?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, its purification method is not mentioned.