Pharmacognostical, phytochemical and pharmacological study of Calotropis procera : A review

Calotropis procera (C. procera) (milkweed) is a wild-growing tropical plant belonging to the family Asclepiadaceae. Calotropis procera is a commonly used herb in Ayurvedic medicine., C. procera, also referred to as “The Apple of Sodom” has been used especially in traditional folk medicine because of its pharmacologically active compounds found in its roots, bark, leaves and mainly in its latex which exudates from damaged leaves. Meanwhile, chemical extracts from C. procera have been shown to have ascaricidal, schizonticidal, anti-bacterial, anthelmintic, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhoeal, larvicidal, cytotoxic and analgesic effects, thus explaining a growing demand in today's medical research for the different parts of the plant This review supports all updated information on its Pharmacognostical, phytochemical and pharmacological activities, traditional uses and scientific approach. C. procera is extensively studied for its medicinal properties by advanced scientific techniques and a variety of bioactive compounds have been isolated from the different parts of the plant and were analysed pharmacologically. The medicinal properties of this plant represent it as a valuable source of medicinal compound. This study is collective information concerning the ethnobotany, pharmacology, phytochemistry and biological activities of latex of the C. procera.