Alarka (Alarka (Ganarupa, Mandara, Vasuka))

Properties

Anti-inflammatory activity, Antimicrobial activity, Anticancer activity, Anticonvulsant activity, Antioxidant activity, Hepatoprotective activity, Anti-diarrheal activity, Antidiabetic activity, Antimalarial activity

Dosage

*Calotropis procera* is considered *likely unsafe*, especially in high doses, due to its potential to interfere with heart function. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before use. Leaf Powder/Capsules: 250–500 mg, twice daily, with warm water or honey. Latex Poultice: A thin layer of fresh latex (mixed 1:3 with coconut oil) applied topically for wounds or joint pain for 30–60 minutes, then washed off. Use gloves to avoid skin burn. Root Decoction: 2–3 g of dried root pieces simmered in 150 ml water until reduced by half. Strain and drink 1 small cup (50 ml) once daily, traditionally used under supervision for menstrual regulation and digestive issues. Important Note: Professional consultation is essential to determine the appropriate dosage and form.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Bitter, Hot
• Virya: ["Hot"]
• Vipaka: ["Pungent"]

Benefits

• Aphrodisiac
• Digestive
• Appetizing
• Emetic
• Purgative

Traditional uses

• Wounds
• Skin diseases
• Rheumatism
• Fever
• Asthma
• Diarrhea
• Snake envenomation

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: increasing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Leaf Powder: Dried leaves ground into a fine powder.
• Latex Poultice: Fresh latex diluted with coconut oil.
• Root Decoction: Dried root pieces simmered in water.
• Processed Oil (Arka Taila): Mustard oil is processed with a bolus of *Curcuma longa* (Haridra) and then mixed with *Calotropis procera* leaf juice and cooked. The oil is prepared over 3 days until it reaches a medium level of processing, indicated by specific signs.
• Aqueous Extract (CALE): Healthy leaves are collected, washed, and dried, then ground into a fine powder. This powder is mixed with distilled water to prepare the extract.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is unsafe to use during pregnancy due to documented abortifacient effects.
• Heart conditions: Use is cautioned in individuals with heart conditions as it contains chemicals that can interfere with heart function. It may dangerously amplify the effects of digitalis or other cardiac glycoside medications.
• Children: Alarka is likely unsafe for children.
• Surgery: Stop taking Alarka at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
• The latex can cause severe skin irritation and chemical burns.
• Oral overdoses may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiac arrhythmias.
• Large doses of latex and leaf juice can produce toxic symptoms like burning in the throat, irritation of the stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, vertigo, and convulsions.
• It is considered unsafe, especially in high doses, and can cause serious side effects including slow heartbeat, convulsions, and death.
• May interact with digoxin (Lanoxin), increasing the risk of side effects.
• Use with caution with "water pills" (diuretic drugs) as it can lower potassium levels and increase the risk of heart-related side effects.
• Professional consultation is advised for individuals with liver or kidney conditions before using Calotropis procera.

Side effects

• *Calotropis procera* is *likely unsafe*. It contains chemicals that can interfere with heart function and may cause serious side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, slow heartbeat, convulsions, and death.
• Latex: Can cause severe skin irritation or chemical burns if applied undiluted. Direct contact with the eyes can cause irritation, corneal damage, eye injury, and vision loss.
• Oral Overdose: May lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiac arrhythmias.
• Other potential side effects: Dizziness and severe stomach cramps.
• Toxicity: The plant contains cardioactive steroids and calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion can cause a painful burning sensation in the mouth, inflammation, edema, blistering, hoarseness, and difficulty speaking.

Interactions

• Digoxin (Lanoxin): *Calotropis* may increase the effects of digoxin, leading to an increased risk of side effects.
• Lithium: *Calotropis* might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium, potentially leading to serious side effects. Lithium doses may need to be adjusted.
• Diuretic drugs ("water pills"): *Calotropis* might affect the heart, and diuretics can decrease potassium levels, increasing the risk of side effects from *Calotropis*. Examples include chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, furosemide, and hydrochlorothiazide.
• Stimulant Laxatives: These can decrease potassium levels, increasing the chance of side effects from *Calotropis*. Examples include bisacodyl, cascara, castor oil, and senna.
• Cardiac Glycoside Medications: May dangerously amplify effects.

Clinical evidence

Clinical trials are limited, with most studies being *in vitro* and *in vivo* animal models. More carefully planned clinical trials are needed to validate preclinical results and establish human safety and efficacy.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Aphrodisiac
• Digestive
• Appetizing
• Emetic
• Purgative

Classical clinical indications

• Wounds
• Skin diseases
• Rheumatism
• Fever
• Asthma
• Diarrhea
• Snake envenomation