# Arka Pushpa

> Arka Pushpa (Calotropis procera) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Flavonoids and triterpenoids in flowers have moderate oral bioavailability. The flower is traditionally considered the mildest part of Arka and is used for digestive (Deepana) and respiratory applications.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Calotropis procera

## Names and identification

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

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (flower powder), Swarasa (flower juice), [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (flower-processed ghee), Tablet, Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3g flower powder twice daily; 5-10ml flower juice with ghee; as component in formulations per classical texts

**Bioavailability:** Flowers of Calotropis procera/gigantea contain lower cardenolide levels than latex or root bark but still have therapeutic activity. [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) and [triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids) in flowers have moderate oral bioavailability. The flower is traditionally considered the mildest part of [Arka](/herb/arka/) and is used for digestive (Deepana) and respiratory applications. Ghee as anupana enhances lipophilic constituent absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with ghee for digestive stimulation; morning for respiratory conditions

**Standardized Extract:** Flower extract with documented cardenolide content (lower threshold than root/latex preparations). Total flavonoid content minimum 2%.

**Shelf Life:** 18 months (flower powder); 2 years (Ghrita); 2 years (capsules/tablets)

**Storage:** Airtight containers, cool and dry place. Ghrita in glass containers at room temperature or refrigerated for longer storage.

**Marker Compounds:** [Calotropin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#calotropin) (at lower levels than other plant parts), [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [Isorhamnetin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isorhamnetin), [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), Alpha-amyrin acetate, Uvaol

### Extraction Methods

- Fresh juice expression from flowers
- Ghee processing (Ghrita Paka with flower juice)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40)
- Aqueous decoction

### Synergistic Combinations

- With ghee for Deepana (digestive fire stimulation)
- With Sunthi for cough and respiratory support
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for mild anti-inflammatory action
- With Jaggery for cough formulations (classical)

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

## 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.