PHARMACOLOGICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL SREENING OF IN-VITRO HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF AAK (CALOTROPIS PROCERA)

Abstract

This article review comprises information regarding Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activity of Aak (Calotropis Procera) -species of flowering shrubs belonging to family Apocynaceae.

Calotropis Procera  also known as Aak, Apple of Sodom, Calotrope, Giant milkweed.  This plant thrives in dry and arid regions , often  found in wastelands, open fields, and along  roadsides.  This plant can survive in different types of soil such  as sandy, rocky, and saline soils.  It is found in various parts of Africa, ( Sudan, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. It is also native to Asia, particularly India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. In addition , it can also be found in Middle East ( Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman ). Cardenolides, steroids, tannins, glycosids, phenols, terpenoid, sugars, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins are the major chemical constituents found in Calotropis Procera.

Calotropis Procera is mainly used as herbal medicine in treatment of various diseases such as body pain, asthma, epilepsy, cancer, snake bites, sexual disorders, skin diseases etc. Leaves, roots and latex of Calotropis Procera have been used in traditional medicine and believed to have antimicrobial, anti- inflammatory and analgesic properties. The silky fiber obtained from mature fruit follicles is used for making ropes, mats, and stuffing pillows. It is also planted in degraded areas to help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.