Arka (Arka (Calotropis gigantea))
Arka (Calotropis gigantea), also known as milkweed, is a plant traditionally used in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. It is known for its potential benefits in wound healing, anti-inflammatory action, and respiratory support, but requires careful handling due to its toxicity.
Botanical name: Calotropis gigantea. Also known as: Arka, Giant Milkweed, Crown Flower, Madar, Safed aak, Aak, Alarkh, Sveta Arka, Akanda, Bara Akand, Aakando, Giant Milkweed, Crown Flower, Small Crownflower, Apple of Sodom.
Properties
Cardiac muscle contraction interference (Cardenolides), Oxidative stress reduction (Flavonoids), Mucosal healing (Terpenoids), Prostaglandin synthesis modulation (Terpenoids)
Dosage
Flower Powder: 1–2 grams of dried flowers ground into a fine powder, taken with warm water or milk, twice a day for respiratory issues. Root Decoction: 5–10 grams of sliced root boiled in 200 ml of water until reduced to 50 ml, taken once daily for anti-parasitic effect.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Bitter
- Virya: ["Heating"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Emetic
- Purgative
- Wound healing
Traditional uses
- Wounds
- Skin diseases
- Arthritis
- Parasitic infections
- Coughs
Dosha effects
- vata: decreasing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: decreasing
Preparation methods
- Arka Tailam (Medicated Oil): Latex is traditionally distilled into an oily extract.
- Flower Powder: Dried flowers are ground into a fine powder.
- Root Decoction: Sliced root is boiled in water.
- Leaf Paste: Fresh leaves are crushed into a paste for topical application.
- Oil Infusion: Arka petals are macerated in sesame oil for 7 days, filtered, and warmed for massage.
- Ksharasutra: The latex of Calotropis gigantea is used in the preparation of Ksharasutra (alkaline thread).
- Home Remedies - Latex Mixture: Latex mixed with turmeric is applied to hemorrhoids.
- Home Remedies - Warm Leaf Application: Warm leaf smeared with oil is tied over affected areas for joint pain.
- Steam inhalation: Steam inhalation from burning Arka leaves for Asthma
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Children and the elderly
- Pitta prakriti individuals
- Chronic kidney or heart conditions
- Active ulcers or gastrointestinal sensitivity
- Individuals with existing heart conditions or hypotension
- Hypertension (for Arka Lavana)
- People undergoing treatment for low sperm count should exercise caution
- Avoid if on digoxin or similar drugs
- Avoid stimulant laxatives and water pills
Side effects
- Overconsumption of latex can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rarely, cardiac arrhythmias due to glycoside toxicity.
- Skin contact with raw latex: Risk of blistering and dermatitis; always process or dilute before topical use.
- Gastrointestinal irritation.
- Bradycardia.
- Skin irritation or burns when applied excessively.
- Latex can cause severe mucosal injury if ingested raw.
Interactions
- Cardenolides may potentiate effects of digitalis-like medications; avoid if on digoxin or similar drugs.
- If you're on any medications, consult your doctor, as Arka might interact with them.
Clinical evidence
Several small trials suggest benefits of Arka (Calotropis gigantea) in bronchitis, wound healing, and arthritis management. Animal studies support wound healing, and in vitro studies show anti-parasitic activity. However, more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Emetic
- Purgative
- Wound healing
Classical clinical indications
- Wounds
- Skin diseases
- Arthritis
- Parasitic infections
- Coughs