Arka Pushpa
Calotropis procera
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.
| Botanical name | Calotropis procera |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. I: ARKA (Root) |
| Also called | Calotropis gigantea (attribution recorded without a cited source) Calotropis gigantea indexed under its own Sanskrit name, Alarka (attribution recorded without a cited source) |
| Family | Apocynaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Also known as | Arka Pushpa, ArkaPushpa |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5414566 · Wikidata Q948690 · NCBI Taxonomy 141467 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | 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 (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 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. 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 (at lower levels than other plant parts), Quercetin, Isorhamnetin, 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 for mild anti-inflammatory action
- With Jaggery for cough formulations (classical)
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