# Arka

> Arka (Calotropis procera) is a plant used in Ayurveda. INTERNAL USE: only Shodhita (purified) material under physician supervision. Bioavailability: Cardiac glycosides (calotropin, calactin) have good oral absorption with narrow therapeutic index. Shodhana with Dugdha (milk processing) modifies glycoside profile and reduces acute toxicity.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Calotropis procera

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Arka |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (root bark powder — after Shodhana), Kshira (processed latex), Taila (medicated oil — external), Lepa (paste — external), Pushpa preparations (flower)

**Standard Dosage:** 250mg-1g Shodhita root bark powder; external oil/paste as needed. INTERNAL USE: only Shodhita (purified) material under physician supervision.

**Bioavailability:** Cardiac [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) ([calotropin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#calotropin), [calactin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#calactin)) have good oral absorption with narrow therapeutic index. Shodhana with Dugdha (milk processing) modifies glycoside profile and reduces acute toxicity. Latex contains proteolytic [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) (calotropain) that are absorbed transdermally. [Uscharin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#uscharin) shows rapid onset of cardiac activity — caution required for precise dosing.

**Optimal Timing:** As directed by Ayurvedic physician only. External applications: morning and evening to affected area.

**Standardized Extract:** Shodhita root bark extract with total cardenolide content precisely quantified (typical range 0.1-0.5%). Flower extract (non-toxic part) for milder formulations. Latex-based preparations for external pharmaceutical use.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (Shodhita powder); 3 years (medicated oil); 18 months (Shodhita latex preparation)

**Storage:** Clearly labeled CAUTION: RESTRICTED SUBSTANCE. Store separately from general inventory. Cool, dry place. Latex preparations in glass containers.

**Marker Compounds:** Calotropin, Calactin, [Calotoxin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#calotoxin), Uscharin, Calotropagenin, Alpha-amyrin, Beta-amyrin, Mudarin, Giganticine

### Extraction Methods

- Latex collection and Shodhana (purification with cow's milk — 7 cycles)
- Root bark Shodhana (boiling in Kanji/fermented rice water)
- [Sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) infusion for Taila preparation (external use)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction of Shodhita material (research only)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Sunthi for Arka Kshira preparations (internal, classical)
- With [Nirgundi](/herb/nirgundi/) and [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) for joint disorder external applications
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for wound healing (external lepa)
- [Arka Pushpa](/herb/arka-pushpa/) (flowers) with ghee for digestive fire stimulation

---

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

## 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.