# Arka Ksheera

> Arka Ksheera is a preparation made from plant material. Latex proteins (calotropain) are proteolytic and facilitate penetration through skin barriers. Shodhana (milk purification) process partially inactivates the most toxic cardenolides while retaining therapeutically useful compounds.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Arka [Ksheera](/herb/ksheera/)|[Arka](/herb/arka/) Ksheera |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Katu, Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Tikshna | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Processed latex (Shodhita [Ksheera](/herb/ksheera/)), Gutika (pills prepared with Shodhita latex), Taila (oil processed with latex — external), Lepa (paste — external)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 drops Shodhita latex with appropriate anupana (INTERNAL: only under strict physician supervision); external: as needed for topical application

**Bioavailability:** High bioavailability of cardiac [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) from latex — [calotropin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#calotropin) and [calactin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#calactin) are rapidly absorbed both orally and transdermally. Latex [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins) (calotropain) are proteolytic and facilitate penetration through skin barriers. Shodhana (milk purification) process partially inactivates the most toxic cardenolides while retaining therapeutically useful compounds.

**Optimal Timing:** Strictly as per physician direction. External applications to affected area, avoiding broken skin and mucous membranes.

**Standardized Extract:** Shodhita [Arka](/herb/arka/) Ksheera (purified latex) with documented cardenolide content per batch. Total cardenolide levels must be within specified therapeutic range (established per classical formulation monograph).

**Shelf Life:** 1 year (Shodhita latex, refrigerated); 3 years (oil-based preparations); 2 years (pills/Gutika)

**Storage:** Shodhita latex refrigerated (2-8°C) in amber glass. Double-sealed containers. Clearly labeled: TOXIC — RESTRICTED. Store separately from food-grade materials.

**Marker Compounds:** Calotropin, Calactin, [Calotoxin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#calotoxin), [Uscharin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#uscharin), Calotropagenin, Calotropain (protease)

### Extraction Methods

- Direct latex collection from stem incisions
- Shodhana: trituration of latex with cow's milk (Dugdha Bhavana, 7 cycles)
- Oil processing (Ksheera added to [sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) base with herbal decoction, heated per Taila Paka vidhi)

### Synergistic Combinations

- As component of Arka Taila for Vata disorders (external)
- With processed [Vatsanabha](/herb/vatsanabha/) in highly specialized formulations (toxic combination — expert use only)
- With [Nirgundi](/herb/nirgundi/) Taila for musculoskeletal pain (external)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/arka-ksheera/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.