Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF FRUIT AND BARK OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA (AIT.) R.BR. MEDICINAL PLANT COLLECTED FROM BOKARO DISTRICT, JHARKHAND

Shailendra Kumar Roy*, Bharat Bhushan and Devendra Kumar

Abstract

An erect, perennial shrub in the Asclepiadaceae family, Calotropis procera which flourishes in dry soil and is widely cultivated throughout most of India and other tropical nations. Long before prehistoric times, it was employed for medical purposes. Several manuscripts discussed the application of C. procera, also known as Apple of Sodom. According to several Hindu religious scriptures, the shrub C. procera is employed in traditional medical and folklore systems to treat a variety of ailments. Along with the Arabic, Unani, and Sudanese systems, it is commonly used in Indian traditional medicine system. The plant is frequently used to treat a variety of illnesses, including skin conditions and in particular elephantiasis. Some components can be extracted for use in treating colic as well as skin conditions, ulcers, spleen enlargement, and illnesses of the liver. The milky exudate is beneficial for skin conditions, tumours, and ascites. It is an excellent purgative. Our phytochemical studies on the plant parts of C. procera such as stems, leaves, fruits, latex, etc. revealed the presence of numerous phytochemicals such as flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, coumarins, phenolics, saponins, proteins, and steroids. The presence of these phytochemicals showed that this plant is effective against a number of microorganisms and have anti-cancer, anti-malarial, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties.

Keywords: Calotropis, pharmacological, phytochemical, flavonoids.