PDR for Herbal Medicines

142/CALOTROPIS PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Flower and Fruit: The fragrant flowers are 2.5 cm in

diameter and form umbel-like flower clusters. The erect

petals are whitish and have purple spots on the upper half.

The bracts of the corolla are smooth or downy with a divided

tip. The ovate follicles are 7.5 to 10 cm long by 5 to 7.5 cm

wide. The seeds have a tuft of silky hair.

Leaves, Stem and Root: This upright herbacious perennial

normally grows to a height of 1.8 to 2.4 m. The leaves are

short-petioled, 6 to 15 cm long by 4.5 to 8 cm wide, oblong-

elliptoid to broadly ovate. The bark appears in irregular short

pieces, slightly quilled or curved and about 0.3 - 0.5 cm

thick. The external portion is grayish-yellow, soft and

spongy. The internal portion is yellowish-white. The fracture

is short.

Characteristics: The taste is acrid and bitter.

Habitat: Indigenous to parts of Asia, India, Africa, Pakistan

and on the Sunda Islands

Production: Calotropis bark is the dried root bark of

Calotropis procera.

Other Names: Mudar Bark, Mudar Yercum

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Cardioactive steroids (cardenolids): including calotropin,

calactin, uscharidin

EFFECTS

The cardenolid glycocides calotropine shows an anti-tumor

effect in vitro on human epidermoid carcinoma cells of the

rhinopharynx. It is also works as an expectorant and a

diuretic.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: The powdered root bark is used to treat

dysentery. It has a similar effect to that of the ipecacuanha

root. In Indian and African folk medicine, the bark is used to

treat epilepsy, hysteria, cramps, cancer, warts, leprosy,

elephantitis, worms, fever, gout and snake bites. In particu-

lar, the milky juice is used against boils, ulcers, swellings

and rheumatism. In Africa, it is used to treat toothache,

syphilis, digestive disorders and diarrhea.

Indian Medicine: The smoke (fumes) from the bark is used

for coughs and asthma and as a sudorific.

Homeopathic Uses: Calotropis procera is used for obesity.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages.

i OVERDOSAGE

The drug is highly toxic. Higher dosages cause vomiting,

diarrhea, bradycardia and convulsions. Very high dosages

may cause death. Following gastric lavage, treatment for

poisonings should proceed symptomatically (for further

measures, see Digitalis).

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Calotropis is used in a ground form,

as a powder, as smoke (fume) and also topically.

Daily Dosage: As an expectorant and diaphoretic 200 mg to

600 mg; as an emetic 2 gm to 4 gm.

Homeopathic Dosage: from D4: 5 to 10 drops, 1 tablet, 5 to

10 globules 1 to 3 times daily; from D6: 1 ml injection

solution sc twice weekly (HAB1).

LITERATURE

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-

1994.

Seiber JN et al., (1982) Phytochemistry 21(9):2343.

Willaman JJ, Hui-Li L, (1970) Lloydia 33(3A):1.

Calotropis gigantea

See Giant Milkweed

Calotropis procera

See Calotropis

Caltha palustris

See Marsh Marigold

Calystegia sepium

See Greater Bindweed

Camellia sinensis

See Green Tea