calotropis gigantea root extract

Calotropis gigantea root extract is a botanical preparation derived from the roots of the Calotropis gigantea plant, a traditional medicinal herb widely used in Ayurveda and other folk medicine systems. The extract contains a variety of bioactive compounds including cardiac glycosides (such as calotropin, calactin, uscharin), triterpenoids (β-amyrin, giganteol), flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids (including mudarine), and oxypregnane-oligoglycosides[6][10]. Traditionally and experimentally, it has been used for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), antipyretic (fever-reducing), wound healing, anti-bacterial/anti-microbial, cytotoxic/anticancer (notably against certain cancer cell lines in vitro), anticonvulsant/CNS effects (e.g., for epilepsy), antidiabetic activity and as an abortifacient[2][3][4][5][7]. It is also reported to have antioxidant properties due to its phenolic content[2]. In traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Unani medicine in India and Southeast Asia/Africa it has been used to treat leprosy, eczema, syphilis, elephantiasis, ulceration/wounds/boils/skin infections/ulcers/inflammation/joint pain/muscle pain/asthma/coughs/digestive disorders including diarrhea/dysentery/cramps/nausea/vomiting/gout/high fever/scorpion/snake bites[1][2][3][5]. The mechanism of action is believed to be multi-targeted due to the diverse phytochemical profile; notable actions include inhibition of inflammatory mediators via suppression of cyclooxygenase/lipoxygenase pathways by triterpenoids/flavonoids; cytotoxicity via cardiac glycoside-induced apoptosis; antimicrobial effects through membrane disruption or enzyme inhibition; CNS depressant activity possibly via GABAergic modulation or ion channel effects. However clinical evidence remains limited beyond preclinical studies. Use during pregnancy/lactation is contraindicated due to uterotonic/emmenagogue properties.

Other names

Calotropis gigantea rootCalotropis root extractArka root extract